Puget Sound Sumi Artists (PSSA) is a Non-Profit Organization. Membership is opened to amateur and professional artists 18 years of age or older who create original works in sumi painting (sumi-e) or Asian calligraphy (Shodo); and those interested in promoting the same in Washington State.
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Puget Sound Sumi Artists is a non-profit organization that was initiated by several artists to study not only ink painting (sumi-e) but also calligraphy (shodo) and flower arranging (ikebana). The group was started in 1985 in Tacoma, WA and now numbers over 70 members from Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Federal Way, Bremerton, Everett, Spokane, Olympia, Gig Harbor and other Puget Sound communities.
Over the years we have introduced thousands of school children to the fun of sumi-e, provided classes for adults and seniors, enabled college students with scholarships and expanded professional skills, networking opportunities, and artistic fellowship among our members.
Many members are teachers and instructors who offer regular classes; members are often in community schools teaching sumi-e and sharing brush writing with students.
In 1987 and 1989, with University of Puget Sound Professor Bill Colby’s insight and help, PSSA mounted its first statewide juried sumi exhibit at the UPS Kitteridge Gallery. Since then the organization has produced many exhibits in prestigious venues including the Handforth Gallery of the Tacoma Public Library; the Pacific Bonsai Museum, Federal Way; the American Art Company, Tacoma; the Kristen Gallery, Seattle; and the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Experience, Seattle. In addition, our artists have shown individually and in a wide variety of juried exhibitions throughout Puget Sound.
PSSA artists, Fumiko Kimura and Voski Sprague, launched the PSSA Haiga Adventure Study Group inspired by Northwest poet, Sam Hill’s Haiga presentation at a PSSA program. Since 2011, PSSA artists have exhibited Haiga (which incorporates sumi, calligraphy and haiku) at the annual Haiku Northwest Getaway in Seabeck, WA.
Mission Statement
As Puget Sound Sumi Artists, we work:
- To promote friendship and goodwill among PSSA members.
- To encourage each member to advance their standard of artistry in sumi, and related works in Asian brush calligraphy (shodo).
- To foster the appreciation of Sumi and brush calligraphy art in the community through demonstrations, exhibitions, and by teaching schools and other venues.
- To arrange access to master Sumi painters and calligraphers for our members whenever possible.
Organization Activities
Education
Members volunteer to teach this art form to fellow members, K-12 school children, and adults in the community. The supplies are offered free to the schools and community through PSSA annual budget. Asian calligraphy is offered to interested members on the second Tuesday of selected months.
Best Sumi Brushes
Community
We support two charities:
Eugene Tone Children’s Care is Tacoma Public School and community partnership advocating for homeless students and families by removing barriers assisting with transportation, basic needs, and stability by facilitating community connections.
YWCA Tacoma Woman’s Shelter provides a safe place offering basic needs and support to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. It is the oldest facility of its kind in Washington.
Scholarship Program
Since 1999, a $500 scholarship is offered annually to a college or university student studying, specifically, Asian culture or studio work reflecting Asian influence, I.e., brush calligraphy, sumi painting, print making or ceramic, etc…Students who live and attend an institution in the Puget Sound corridor are eligible.
Exhibits
Annually, there are approximately three to four Puget Sound Sumi Artists (PSSA) sponsored exhibits in various venues that include galleries, libraries and cultural centers. Any member can enter a show by following the guidelines outlined in the show prospectus.
Occasionally we have exchanges with Japanese artists who participate in combined exhibits with PSSA.
Meetings are generally held monthly on first Tuesdays from September through June starting at 11AM at the:
Asia Pacific Cultural Center,
4851 South Tacoma Way,
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253)383-3900
Due to Covid-19, physical meetings are suspended.
Check the PBS video
Sumi Brush Set
“Sumi-e the Art of Simplistic Elegance”
Sumi-e is a simple, yet elegant art form handed down to Japan from China. Artists use a minimal amount of brush strokes to create subtle ink paintings that stimulate the imagination. Full Focus profiles three members of the Puget Sound Sumi Artists group pursuing their artistic passion.
Puget Sound Sumi Artists (PSSA) is opened to amateur and professional artists 18 years of age or older who create original works in sumi painting (sumi-e) or Asian calligraphy (Shodo); and those interested in promoting the same in Washington State.
Sumi-e Paint Brushes
Membership Benefits
- Monthly PSSA Newsletter published from September to June
- Annual Membership Roster
- Opportunities to submit works to frequent PSSA sponsored events and exhibits
- Calligraphy and sumi-e classes
- Artist page on the PSSA website
Application
Fill out the following membership application and send it with the annual dues to our mailing address.
PO Box PMB 141
6824 – 19th St. W.
University Place, WA 98466
Sumi Paint Brush
Asia Pacific Cultural Center
4851 South Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA 98409