Copper wire drawing in front of yellow acrylic backgroud.

GHC Art Gallery

Curated Exhibits at Gig Harbor Campus

Current Exhibit

COLLABORATIVE IDENTITY: A DUAL EXHIBITION

Acrylic paintings by Hannah Kyungsook Ra

Copper wire paintings by Emily J. Won

March 31, 2025 - June 9, 2025

Reception: April 10, 2025, 5 - 7 p.m.

Art transcends boundaries, bridging differences...”

Hannah Ra

 

COLLABORATIVE IDENTITY: A DUAL EXHIBITION

Art reception flyer image

 

 

Art transcends boundaries, bridging differences in technique, medium, and personal narrative.
Collaborative Identity is a unique exhibition that unites two distinct artistic voices—Emily’s
copper wire drawings and Hannah’s expressive acrylic paintings—into a shared visual dialogue.
As Korean artists living in the U.S., our collaboration reflects both our individual identities and
our collective cultural experience. Though we work in different mediums, this exhibition
explores how our artistic expressions intersect, harmonize, and evolve together. Our featured
collaborative piece—a fusion of Hannah’s vibrant yellow background, symbolizing the energy of
spring, and Emily’s intricate wire sculpture depicting deconstructed symbols from the Codex
Borgia manuscript—embodies the interplay of past and present, tradition and transformation.
Through this exhibition, we challenge the notion that identity is singular or static. Instead, we
embrace the fluidity of cultural and artistic fusion, proving that distinct perspectives can coexist
and create something entirely new. Collaborative Identity is a testament to the power of artistic
unity, where differences become strengths and shared creativity becomes the foundation for new
meaning.
Artist Statement

Filtered photo of Hannah Ra standing in a field of yellow flowers.

 

Black and white headshot of Emily Won

Hannah Kyungsook Ra

Hannah Ra has graduated from Han-yang University with a Bachelors of Art, she has wide variety of teaching experience with all ages, despite the busy work schedule from regular work.

She has done many exhibitions locally and internationally, in Korea, and she has won various awards.

Hannah keeps herself busy by attending as many Exhibitions as possible, in places like, France, Germany and every year with Korean American Artist's Association of Washington. 

 

"I love drawing  and it brings me happiness. 

When I complete a piece, I feel an indescribable thrill filled with exitement and joy.

My artistic journey began in childhood, as I have loved drawing since I was young.

The beautiful and vivid memories from that time continue to inspire me, everything I see becomes a potential subject for my artwork, and the emotionally moving moments they create spark new ideas, these feelings, take me on a journey into a world of endless creativity. 

Through a symphony of vibrant colors, I dream, express gratitude, and freely bring my emotions to life on the canvas."

 

Emily Jounghee Won

Emily Jounghee Won is a multifaceted artist whose work spans photography, painting, mixed media, and unique copper wire drawings. Her artistic journey began with a foundation in applied painting, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Seoul National University of Science and Technology. Driven by a desire to explore diverse artistic expressions, she pursued advanced studies in Western Art at Gachon University's Graduate School. Relocating to the United States, Emily further honed her skills through focused coursework in studio practices at Bakersfield College and continued her artistic development with a semester of intensive study at California State University, Fresno, concentrating on photography. This rigorous exploration across disciplines has shaped her unique artistic vision, evident in her evocative and conceptually rich works.

Emily Jounghee's talent and dedication have been recognized through numerous exhibitions and awards. Notably, she received the prestigious Women in Photography Award II at the 42nd National Juried Photography Exhibition held at Larson Gallery in Yakima. This accolade underscores her mastery of the photographic medium and her ability to capture compelling narratives through her lens. Her work has been featured in many exhibitions across the United States and Korea. Early in her career, she received The Special Award at the Korea Youth Art Festival in Incheon, Korea in 1997, demonstrating her artistic promise from a young age. She also received The Special Award, Korea Modern Formative Arts Award in Seoul, Korea, further highlighting her significant contributions to the arts. From juried competitions to solo and group shows, Emily has consistently presented her work to diverse audiences, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her artistic vision.