Vashon poets laureate will read new work

Lonny Kaneko, Vashon’s current co-poet laureate with Cal Kinnear, and Vashon’s inaugural poet laureate, Ann Spiers, will read from new works of poetry at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Vashon Bookshop.

Kaneko’s book, “Coming Home From Camp and Other Poems,” portrays life among Japanese-Americans interned during World War II and after the war ends. Writer Jeanie Okimoto, whose publishing company Endicott and Hugh printed the book, will introduce Kaneko.

Spiers will read from and discuss her new collection of broadsides, or poems, printed on sheets of paper with icon images from International Weather Symbols, which link to her poems about climate change.

Lecture looks at art and politics of Diego Rivera

Vashon Allied Arts’ Art History Talks will continue the discussion  about artists as agents of change with art historian Rebecca Albiani at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Vashon High School theater.

Albiani will talk about the life and work of prominent Mexican painter and muralist Diego Rivera. Rivera, who was married to renowned painter Frida Kahlo, is best known for his large wall frescos and communist politics.

Tickets are available at the Blue Heron, vashonalliedarts.org and at the door.

Zambini Brothers return to the Blue Heron

The Zambini Brothers will present their original show, “The Tasty Tale of Brave Sir Bump,” at Vashon Allied Arts’ Family Series at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Blue Heron.

Expressive hand puppets will tell the funny adventures of a most unlikely hero who saves a kingdom from a terrible fate. When the knights of Castle Thump fail to subdue a dreadful, yet comical, dog-like dragon, it is little Benjamin Bump who suddenly discovers how to tame the savage beast.

Tickets are available at the Blue Heron, vashonalliedarts.org and at the door.

Lecturer looks at art of costume design

Costume designer Melanie Burgess will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the sartorial art of a theatrical production at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Vashon High School theater.

Costume design plays a critical role in any production, allowing actors to express their characters’ personality, status and time period. Burgess has designed costumes for more than 125 theater and opera productions, locally and nationally, including Seattle Opera, ACT, Village Theatre, Seattle Repertory, Intiman and 5th Avenue Theatre.

Burgess received the Gregory Award for her designs in 42nd Street, Abe Lincoln, Chasing Nicolette and Twelfth Night and has won many Seattle Times Footlight awards.

Tickets are available at vashonalliedarts.org and at the Blue Heron.