Adventures in Kimbird-Land!

At last!  I have the chance to give you the latest updates from The Adventures in Kimbird-Land!



Last I checked in, I was heading to the Dragon Fest and Not-so-Silent Auction for Garfield Elementary.  It was quite the event!  Located on the border of Chinatown and North Beach, swarming with children and their families', and full of energetic buzz.

My painting of the "Yin and Yang Dragon" went home with a community member named Kitty Kao - amazing name - who wanted to check out the Fund Raiser because she saw the Dragon poster that I designed hanging up at her local laundromat.  Love it!



I had a good feeling that night, thinking about how my mom grew up in Chinatown and pondering the full-circle we have come.  It was there that she learned Chinese Brush Painting, never knowing where it would eventually lead us!  And trust me, I never knew I'd become a professional artist either.

Jonathan and I also taught music for a kids musical theater workshop held at Shotgun Theater in Berkeley on Saturday, April 20th.  We got to revisit the music of "Seussical the Musical" and see some brilliant little actors do their thing.

The last couple weeks have been swamped with Art Shows, first in Walnut Creek, then Mountain View (both through Pacific Fine Arts).  Those shows were fun in the sun.  Lots of people to talk to and share my passion about Chinese Symbolism, the Zodiac and the Elements.  Somehow dragons seem to be relevant in everything!

Last Saturday was a special little surprise - The Glenview Cottage Industry Exhibition - put on by our local neighborhood association and Judith Garland (another amazing name!).  It happened to be right across the street from our house at the Park Blvd Presbyterian Church.

Jackrabbit doing his bit - holding up the tent with all his mighty strength!

It was delightful being out there in my own neighborhood, meeting people, connecting... Only slightly ironic that we are moving now that things are livening up around Glenview.  I never believe in saying goodbye though, and will always have a home here in Oakland!  It's cool to walk through the neighborhood and catch a glimpse of a dragon hanging on someone's wall!!!  :D

This Saturday is yet another festival - the Asian Heritage Street Celebration outside by the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.  It's from 11am-6pm and full of fantastic performances, the World Market (where I will be) and tasty asian delectables!

Come join me in Kimbird-Land and have an adventure!!!

Episode 1: Artist & Vocalist, Kimbirdlee - #InspirationsTV by Oakland Digital (ODALC.org)

Walking into ODALC in Downtown Oakland, on the border of Chinatown, was a breath of fresh air and a vision of vibrant color.  I didn't know what to expect, but I was excited to be invited as Shaun Tai's first guest for "Inspiration TV".  "Inspiration TV" is a Youtube series that highlights local Oakland-ers who are considered inspiring by the community.  So you can imagine, it is quite an honor for me!  As a singer, performer and artist who runs my own business, and a new mom, I constantly assess and reassess, plan and replan, question, doubt and search for the right path.  I am forever grateful to be living the life I do and to have people like you to share my songs and paintings with!

Year of the Water Snake
2013

http://youtu.be/uStbcO2Qwp8

ODALC is doing great work to reach out to the community.  If you have a chance, you should definitely subscribe to their mailing list and follow the Youtube series!  I can't wait to see who the next guest is!!!

Get Involved --- Stay Connected with Oakland Digital (ODALC)

   

Great Night to Art Mingle: Touch Salon in Montclair

Teresa Bozikis (owner of Touch Salon), Jin Hei Kang (artist), and Me
This art party was just how it's supposed to be - super fun and inspiring!
Teresa Bozikis organizes her parties every 2nd Friday of the month. This event is getting more and more popular and it really brings the neighborhood together to share an evening of creativity with friends old and new. So many of the Montclair Village community come out to show their support - Eric (Montclair Village Festival) and his girlfriend (go Wisconsin girls!) deejayed for us, Yingi (owner of Kakui Sushi) hooked up fresh sushi for everyone, the beautiful stylists of Touch Salon hosted the party, guys from Tonga Lounge and Garibaldi's came out...
So much love!

I met so many new people - it was awesome.
I'm also so grateful to my great friends who totally made my night by just being there!

Like my fabulous friend, Maurice Williams!
Someday when you're famous I'll show you this picture to remind you of the good ole days!

I was surprised to see my actor friends, Jessica Payne and hubby Kyle, before they head out for a national tour together! And the juggling Ron Schwartz!
And thank you to Imad for the yummy (and so appropriate) dragon roll.

I definitely feel like I was able to share my art in a great way.
thank you, teresa and touch salon



Truckee 3rd Annual Historic Downtown Truckee. Arts & Crafts Festival
Jul 31-Aug 1, 2010


It is a tradition that I make it to Lake Tahoe at least once a year for an art show. I exhibited with Pacific Fine Arts in Truckee for the first time this year.
There were some very interesting attendees...

Yes, these crazy Alpacas came to appreciate the art.
First time I ever saw Alpacas at an art show.

Along with having a great weekend at the art show, I also got to camp at a beautiful reservoir.
Wow.

Morning sunlight to wake me up!

A perfect little scene of Tyler with his fresh cup of coffee, throwing the ball for Wiki, who is flying off the edge of the picture, and the hot air balloon taking off in the background.
Lovely!