Tsumugi: Art and Culture in Amami Islands Opening Events & Reception

Wednesday, May 1, 2024, through Sunday, May 12, 2024

This week there will be several events celebrating the art and culture of the Amami Islands, We hope you will join us for one of more of the following dates and times:

Tsumugi: Art and Culture in Amami Islands (Wed. 5/1 – Sun. 5/12 at A gallery in Janet Turner Print Museum):

In this exhibition, the rich culture of the Amami Islands is revealed through the art of the kimono called Oshima Tsumugi, and obi (kimono belts). This exhibition is dedicated to the further understanding and enjoyment of one of the special areas of Japan, Amami Oshima (islands).

Although Japan is often seen as a mono-cultural country, it is actually composed of rich and colorful cultures, spread over more than two thousand miles on the backs of a chain of volcanic mountains rising out of the ocean. The culture of the Amami Islands is one great example. The Amami Islands, located in the southwest of Japan, have a unique culture and history. Because of this rich culture and nature, Amami received UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2021. Through this exhibition, audiences will experience the value of its art and culture.

Tea ceremony and Ikebana (flower arranging) workshops (3 – 5 PM, Thu. 5/2 at A gallery) following reception (at the lobby of Janet Turner Print Museum):

Two masters of tea ceremony and ikebana from Japan will perform and audience members are also welcome to join the workshop of how to make traditional Japanese green tea.

Performance and Jazz Night (5:30 – 7:30 PM, Fri. 5/3 at Performing Art Center 134):

Join us for a night of fusion of Amami shima-uta (local folk songs) and jazz from Chico; Marina Hirata, a diva from Amami, will perform with the Chico Jazz Collective. It will be a collaboration between the soul music of Shima-uta and Jazz. Don't miss it!

These events will be FREE and open to the public! Please contact Masami Toku; Mtoku@csuchico.edu with questions.