The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino Art Center:
Eight artists from the Omachi-Miasa area in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, joined by twelve Mendocino Coast artists, are exhibiting their artwork as part of the biennial Mendocino Sister City International Art Exchange Exhibit, July 1 through September 11, at the Mendocino Art Center. Works include woodworking, functional and sculptural ceramics, textiles, paintings, glass works, photography, jewelry, encaustics, basketry, prints and mixed media works.
“The Mendocino / Omachi-Miasa Artist Exchange, which started in 2008, is 15 years old this year. Unfortunately, 2021 was a year of the Coronavirus and the mutual visit that had been going on for a long time could not happen,” explains Omachi-Miasa artist Tokio Oda. “However, the desire to continue this meaningful exchange will not change at all. This exchange is a process of respecting and understanding each other while introducing each other’s works. It is also an inspiration for artists to continue to create a free and peaceful world while valuing the connections between people and regions. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again in the near future.”
Mendocino Art Center founder Bill Zacha and artist Toshi Yoshida formalized the sister city relationship in 1980. In 1993, Miasa and Mendocino started annual youth exchanges that have continued throughout the years. The Art Exchange Exhibit was inaugurated in 2008 at the Mendocino Art Center, showcasing works by Omachi-Miasa artists, followed by showings in even years through 2018. Mendocino Coast artists have exhibited their work in Omachi, Japan, in odd numbered years, 2009 through 2019. Due to the Covid pandemic, art exchange showings were exhibited online in 2020 and 2021.
There will be a free Second Saturday Gallery Reception, July 9, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the opportunity to meet the Mendocino Coast Artists. Sister City Association President Jim Jackson will give an opening statement, Mike Evans will talk about being one of the founders of the Art Exchange, and Carolyn Zeitler will talk about how the Art Exchange is coordinated between Japan and the Mendocino Coast. The Japanese artists will also give a short welcome via video.
Admission to the gallery is free. For more information please call 707-937-5818 or visit MendocinoArtCenter.org. The Mendocino Art Center is located at 45200 Little Lake Street (at Kasten Street) in Mendocino. The gallery is open daily, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
