JA Artsy Fartsy.

I Twittered this but here it is in more than 140 characters...

The Mike Shinoda and Kokeshi shows will close at the JANM this Sunday. If you go on Saturday, admission is FREE. Go do that.

I went to Kokeshi tonight (free on Thursday nights between 5-8 p.m.). It was interesting. I take these big-headed dolls for granted. I grew up with them all over the house and at relatives' homes. They fall over during earthquakes and don't really fit anywhere. I'm not about to start collecting them myself, but it was cool seeing different regional styles and themes. And half the show is all modern artists' takes on the doll. Some were pretty cool.

Following my JANM visit, I went over to the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (these guys need a shorter name!) for Eric Nakamura/Michael (Idemoto) Aki's presentation of their 1997 student film Sunsets. I've heard about this film FOR YEARS so I definitely wanted to check out this very rare screening. The film was recently re-edited for the ID Film Festival. A reception followed but I don't drink so I avoided the free sake and whatnot. Did pick up some manju before we hit the road. Check out the difficult-to-navigate Festival website info on other films in the series. Sunsets was the Fest opener and other film screenings are happening all weekend. Find one or all that interest you.