KAAW (The Korean-American Artists Association of Washington State) is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 by local Korean Immigrants. The mission of KAAW was to encourage and to support Korean American artists of  Washington state residents, who are pursuing artistic endeavor and to enrich their personal and community life.

In 1994, KAAW expanded it’s mission to promote and celebrate Diversity by hosting “Pacific Northwest student Art Competition” which were open to K-12 students with all ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, we have changed the format of this competition to mail-in juried scholarship competition starting in year 2005, to allow and expand the range and number of participants.

In 2010, KAAW had celebrated its 20th anniversary by hosting a special event and exhibition.

The Joshel Namkung scholarship was first formed and awarded in 2012 by KAAW scholarship committee which administers, jury selects, and grants Johsel Namkung scholarships along with Korean Consulate General Seattle and KAAW scholarship awards at the annual members’ exhibition.

In attempt to promote art sharing with community and with other Korean Artists in Washington State, we extended an invitation to Korean Artists in Washington State to exhibit with us during KAAW member’s exhibition in 2013.