Shangri La has new curator

Islamic art scholar Keelan Overton, a recent Ph.D. from the University of California, has been appointed curator of Shangri La, Doris Duke’s massive collection of Muslim art housed at her Diamond Head mansion.

Overton is no stranger to Shangri La. She first worked there as an intern in 2003, later returning as assistant curator from 2004 to 2005. The Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art announced last week that Overton had been found after an international search.

She holds a master’s degree in art history from Williams College, was a research assistant at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and an instructor at the University of California at Los Angeles. She received fellowships from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to support her research around the world.

"At a time when we all need to have a better understanding of the Muslim world, Keelan’s expertise will strengthen Shangri La as a center for Islamic art with programs for artists, scholars, students and the general public," said Deborah Pope, executive director of Shangri La, in a statement.

Along with curating more than 3,500 pieces of Islamic art, Overten is charged with developing education programs, original research and exhibitions.

For information on Shangri La tours, call 734-1941.

Dogs welcome at fundraiser

Polish up those ruby slippers and follow the yellow brick road to the Hawaii Canine Assistance Network’s Wizard of Pawz fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the John Burns Memorial Hall at Disabled American Veterans, Keehi Lagoon.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the event, which will feature a silent auction, dog pampering stations, a canine costume contest and dinner and dessert by chefs from the culinary programs at Kapiolani and Leeward community colleges and Diamond Head Market.

The Canine Assistance Network trains service and companion dogs for the disabled and works with agencies such as the Hawaii State Hospital and the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility to provide animal care experiences and job skills training.

Tickets are $50 per person, or $75 if accompanied by a pooch. Reserved tables are available. Call 781-2596 or email events@HawaiiCAN.org.

Bamboo Ridge nears milestone

The local literary arts journal Bamboo Ridge was set up in 1978 by editors Darrel Lum and Eric Chock, who planned to publish two issues a year. They seem to be running ahead of themselves, as the 100th issue is on the horizon after 33 years, and so they’re throwing a celebration.

The event is called "Wine & Words: Celebrate 100!" and it’s modeled after past Wine & Word fundraisers, except, of course, that this one is century-oriented. Occurring at 7 p.m. July 19 at Manoa Valley Theatre — amid the active set for "Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding" — the program this year includes noted local writers Lee Cataluna, Lanning Lee, Lee A. Tonouchi, Lois-Ann Yamanaka, Donald Carreira Ching, Doodie Cruz, Jim Harstad, Terri Nakamura, Bill Teter, Jean Yamasaki Toyama and many others, plus scads of heavy pupu, beverages and literary gossip and camaraderie.

Although their 98th issue was published this spring, Bamboo Ridge has been preparing for its literary centennial for some time, sponsoring online short-story contests limited to 100 words, and a "Great BR Fishing & Wishing" contest with entries supposed to fall within 100 words and 100 lines. All entries are being considered for the centennial issue.

The July 19 event will include more than 30 publication awards, plus news of Cataluna’s and artist Grant Kagimoto’s latest works.

Tables of 10 are available for $200; individual admission is $20. For information and reservations, call 626-1481 or email brinfo@bambooridge.com.