Artists from seven countries will show their work at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center on South Tacoma Way starting Saturday, August 1, with a free opening reception the following week.

The exhibition, called Global Nexus: A World Connected Through Art, runs through Monday, August 31, at 4851 South Tacoma Way. It is the second exhibition organized by the International Organization of Arts, according to a press release APCC published July 26.

The show features painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, printmaking, fiber art, fashion, mixed media, and handcrafted paper art from artists in China, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and the United States.

Admission to the reception is free.

The opening reception is Saturday, August 8, from 4 to 7 p.m., open to the public.

Hanji takes center stage

One of the exhibition's signature elements is a spotlight on Hanji, Korea's traditional handmade paper. Made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, Hanji has been part of Korean culture for more than a thousand years and is recognized by the Korean government as an Important Intangible Cultural Property.

APCC said in its announcement that artists from multiple countries incorporate Hanji into their own practices, blending traditional Korean techniques with contemporary design.

Country-specific highlights include Hanji fashion and textile art from Korea, contemporary paintings and mixed media from France and Germany, Japanese paper art and photography, and traditional and modern Chinese craftwork.

A South Tacoma cultural anchor

APCC was founded in 1996 by Korean immigrant and local artist Patsy Surh O'Connell along with five other founding board members.

The nonprofit represents people from 47 different Asian and Pacific Islander countries and has twice received the Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award, in 2016 and 2021.

Executive Director Faaluaina "Lua" Pritchard described the center's philosophy in a May 2022 Chamber of Commerce profile: "Bringing people together, learning together, and then teaching together."

The center held its 28th Annual New Year Celebration at the Tacoma Dome in March 2026, an event recognized by the venue on X.

How to visit

Global Nexus runs Saturday, August 1, through Monday, August 31, at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, 4851 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma.

The opening reception is Saturday, August 8, from 4 to 7 p.m., free and open to the public. Contact APCC directly for information about general admission during the rest of the month.