A Retrospective And A Look To The Future
KAM is the first and only museum in the country devoted to telling the Korean American community’s story. Opened in 2003 at its present location, the Museum can look back to a number of successful shows. Its first exhibit in its new quarters was co-sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, and featured selected works from the show “Dreams and Reality: Korean Art Exhibition to Celebrate 100 Years of Korean Immigration to the U.S.”
This was followed in the spring of 2004 by “L.A. Koreatown: 100 Years of Change and Continuity,” a pictorial history of the first hundred years of Los Angeles’ Koreatown. The Museum plans to bring back this highly popular exhibit.
Last February the Museum hosted the Fifth Annual Seoul National University Alumni Association (SNUAA) Artist Exhibition. Nearly 30 artists, all members of the SNUAA, and residents of the United States, exhibited their art pieces. Earlier this spring, “Scene ‘05,” featured the contemporary art and multimedia works of eight Los Angeles based Korean American artists.
“We have exciting plans designed to show the artistic endeavors of Korean American artists to the multicultural Los Angeles community, but the museum is a nonprofit organization,” says Ki Suh Park, chairman of the KAM board. “All our endeavors depend on the good will of donors. We are grateful for their past generosity and hope that this support will continue so that we will be able to carry on showcasing an important element of the cultural diversity of this great city. We are proud to be able to serve the Korean American community, as well as the greater Los Angeles community, by fostering an understanding and an appreciation of each other’s cultures for the enrichment of all.”
KAM will hold its annual fundraising gala on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the California Club, which will feature a performance by world-renowned Korean opera singer Dong Kyu Kim.
The Korean American Museum is located at 3727 West Sixth Street, Suite 400, Los Angeles. Gallery hours are Wednesdays to Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11. a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
