Artist Frank Okada played a significant role in the modern art history of the Pacific Northwest. Born a Nisei in 1931, he was raised in Seattle's International District and throughout his life retained its influences and his vivid memories in his art. From his first painting award -- received at the Washington State fair -- until his death in 2000, he worked at the confluence of regional art, Asian culture, and national art movements.

At the beginning of his career, Okada received a series of prominent fellowships -- John Hay Whitney in 1957, Fulbright in 1959, and Guggenheim...