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 Hamill’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.

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.