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TweetIn honor of Keiro no Hi, we hosted the second annual Fine Arts Showcase! We invited everyone in Our Community, age 60 and above, to create and express their talent through different forms of art.
The theme for the Fine Arts Showcase in 2021 was:
Oiwai – Celebration
Thank you to all of our wonderful artists who submitted their artwork this year for the showcase!
Click here to view the Meet the Artists page
Japanese Butterfly with Dancing Tsuru - Ralph Ichikawa (85)
I appliqued the butterfly and tsurus onto a fabric with bamboos for a background. One of the wings of the tsuru is three dimensional. The butterfly and two tsurus were hand painted using coloring ink. The whole picture was covered with quilting a la Hawaiian quilt.
Crane Feathers and Ocean - Margaret Zumwinkle (91)
Celebration of the crane, my favorite symbolic theme, a copy of a famous Japanese painting.
The Builder - Marian Kobata Sunabe (62)
My dad was an engineer, craftsman, woodworker, and handyman. He did a lot of construction at our home and at his church. He passed away in October 2020 at the age of 94. My brother and I have been going through the garage workshop that he built and stocked with every imaginable tool and gadget. I put aside some of the pieces that looked well-worn and well-used, and put them together with my dad's high school senior picture and scraps out of one of his textbooks. It's a tribute to his creative, "maker" ethic.
All the Earth Glorifies His Name - Alice Hirota (79)
The painting entitled ‘All the Earth Glorifies His Name’ is from a photo I had taken on one of many family road trips. As a native Californian, I’ve always been in awe of the gentle slopes whether green or gold, and Interstate 5 never fails in providing interesting subject matter. I’m particularly taken by landscapes wherever I am. This photo captured a part of what I love about California’s spectacular terrain.
I painted this piece because I couldn’t resist defining the intricacies of the undulating forms and lush beauty of the hills’ green covering. God is the creator of all things beautiful and all for our pleasure!
The Red Flower - Virginia Suzuki (88)
Composed with hand-dyed cotton fabrics, batik fabrics, silk, dry paint, fabric beads, tulle, rayon twine and metallic threads, The Red Flower was made to commemorate a 50th wedding anniversary as well as a tribute to the memory of my husband, Tom, who passed away shortly after. It was machine-pieced and machine-quilted.
The Tropics - Tsutako Anne Isomoto (99)
Tsutako shared that she does not really paint, but the truth is in the artwork. She stated that this piece reminded her of volleyball at the beach. It is clear that she is combining her talents through the medium of art. Tsutako was an elementary school teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District and taught Kindergarten and 3rd grade. She is a loving, independent woman who enjoys playing sports, reading and baking.
Summer Fruit Ceramic Dishes - Helen Fukuhara (73)
These 6 pottery dishes were created in Erin Schalk’s ceramic class at the Anaheim Braille Institute. They were handcrafted with clay, fired in the kiln, glazed, then fired again. I was excited while working on them and hope that they capture the enthusiasm of the summer season.
Flying Carp for May 5 (Boy’s Day Celebration)(五月五日の鯉のぼり) - Yoko Maruta & Kei-Ai Craft Volunteer Hanadan
The carp scale is made of many kabuto origami, and the iris flower are wonderful colorings done by residents. The art is decorated in the Kei-ai dining room.
Kei-Ai施設のダイニングを飾る為、皆で折り紙で沢山の兜を作り、鯉のぼりの鱗にしました。あやめはシニアレジデンツの塗り絵の傑作です。
Celebration of Girls Day on March 3 (三月三日のお雛祭り) - Yoko Maruta & Kei-Ai Craft Volunteer Hanadan
We celebrated hinamatsuri with the residents by creating paper craft dress-up dolls together.
雛祭りにちなんで、レジデンツと一緒に昔懐かしい紙の着せ替え人形を作りこの日をお祝いしました。
Rainbow of Hope (希望の虹) - Yoko Maruta & Kei-Ai Craft Volunteer Hanadan
We designed a rainbow, symbolizing hope as a celebration of post COVID.The rainbow is made of 1000 origami cranes, crafted by Residents of Kei-Ai Southbay and Hanadan volunteers.
コロナ禍が過ぎ去った後のお祝いとして、希望を表す虹をデザインしました。花団ボランティアとKei-Aiレジデンツが心を込めて折った千羽の折鶴で構成されています。
Serenity - Grace Mayeda (86)
I wrote this calligraphy on my last birthday when I turned 86. My life has been too busy and hectic with various activities, therefore, I've decided to celebrate the fact that I will be spending more quiet and peaceful moments in my later life.
“Tairyobata” (Celebrative Flag symbolizing the Successful Fishing Trip/Big Catch) Yuzen Zome (大漁旗 (たいりょうばた)
友禅染 ) - Setsuko Hayashi (85)
Yuzen Zome is the Japanese traditional dyeing process often seen on luxurious Kimono. Following the traditional Yuzen Zome process, which has been carried on for over 400 years since the Edo-era, this art features the fishing boat with the celebrative flag symbolizing their successful trip. It is currently in the sewing process as a wall hanging art.
漁師が大漁で帰ってきたときのお祝いに使う旗で知られている。
In memory of Takashi Okamura - Tokimi Okamura (87)
We lost my father in July 2020 after a brief illness. They were married for over 60 years and did everything together. We felt we needed to try and fill that void with something to keep her mind busy. She took ikebana many years ago and when we heard of the VJCC classes we thought it would be perfect for her. At first, the classes were via zoom and it was a little challenging for her. When sensei started in person classes with only 2 students at a time, it was perfect. Although she suffers from mild dementia, it seems she is somehow able to retrieve what she had learned before. Now she looks forward to classes and we all enjoy having the beautiful arrangements in the house. We display them in the Japanese room that my father built and where his butsudan is.
Soft White Blooming - Rick Osaka (67)
I’ve painted a lot of works inspired by flowers, gardens and even fireworks. As subject matter, I think any of these fit perfectly with this year’s theme called “Celebration”. For me, this work expresses positivity, hope, and beauty in a simple way. Thanks Keiro for picking a great theme!
In His Hands… - Ritsuko Sono (60)
Poem Translation: "In his (my husband) hands with oily smells from his hard work,
found were a bouquet of roses blossoming."
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I composed this Tanka/Japanese poem soon after I joined “Shikinami Tanka” circle while I was still young. A couple of years ago, I was preparing for the annual exhibit called “Akitsu-Syou” where we are encouraged to express our thoughts in our own words in the art of Shodo. I decided to work on this poem from my past.
Every time I glance this frame, I am vividly reminded of how surprised I was and the joy I felt for receiving a bouquet of flowers, as well as the awkwardness of my husband and the bursting energy of my children rejoicing together around us.
How wondrous Tanka can be.
『しきなみ短歌』を始めてまだ間もない、若かりし頃に詠んだ短歌です。秋津書道では、年に一度、「自分の言葉を自分の書で表現する」という『秋津賞』の企画があり、数年前にこれに出品するため、昔の短歌を引っ張り出して書いてみました。この額を見る度に、当時の夫の少し照れた様子や、一緒に喜んでくれた子供達の飛び回るエネルギー、お誕生日の花束を受け取った私の驚きと嬉しい気持ちが鮮やかに蘇ります。短歌って不思議です。
Soft Patterns - Yoshiro Nakamura (96)
The art expresses celebration with floating color forms intersected with energetic lines. I'll leave it to the viewers to interpret it. I hope it generates thoughts of happy and hopeful times.
Life & Eating - Karl Tani (81)
I’m a graphic designer with a love of calligraphy and drawing. I had found this wonderful quote by Pavarotti and Wright, which gave me the opportunity to do both. We are fortunate that Eating is a daily celebration which we take for granted, whereas for many, Life is threatened by a lack of something to Eat. We need to strive for equity.
Humming Bird - Keiko Asada (73)
My daughter recommended me to try painting as my hand and mental rehabilitation during Corona’s stay home. This is acrylic paint coloring by numbers. This is my first painting experience. It was fun, and I felt satisfaction.
Shawdi - Wendy Lew Toda (61)
Drawing fish brings me great delight. They symbolize abundance and are full of life-giving vitality. This is Shawdi, whose Persian name means “One who feels deep joy”. Her colors are many because an ongoing practice of gratitude builds a rich, layered perspective of joy over time. The variety of colors also reflects how gratitude can be found in many places, often surprising ones. Celebration is the overflow, rooted in this deep joy. What are you thankful for today?
Wedding Announcement - Kozue Yamamoto (94)
Pictured is Kozue Yamamoto with a cross-stitch of a wedding announcement for her granddaughter’s wedding made by her when she was 90 years old. She has been an avid cross-stitch enthusiast since her retirement. Her first project was a birth announcement for her grandson. She has completed countless projects, gifting them to friends and family. However, she will be 95 years old next month and she has not completed any new projects recently.
Yin Yang: 10th Double Happiness - Carol Miura (83)
This was done on the occasion of our 10th wedding anniversary.
My husband took our photos and superimposed them in Photoshop. I drew the rest in Prismacolor pencil.
Our anniversary occurred in the year of the Snake.
My husband was born in the year of the Dragon who resides in heaven and the waters. It represents yang, power, authority, good luck, but also kindness.
I was born in the year of the Tiger whose residence is earth. The tiger represents yin and sometimes yang, and is a symbol of protection, courage, energy, wealth and ruler of the seasons. The animals together are considered a “dynamic duo”.
Below are peonies and double lotuses, both signs of good fortune and happiness.
Marriage is considered yin and yang—heaven and hell, represented by the clouds and flames above our heads. Fortunately we have been blessed by more clouds than flames.
The red Chinese characters read: 10th Double Happiness
Celebrating Kanreki （還暦祝い) - Yuko Hashimoto (60) - Shikinami Tanka Group
Poem Translation: "Celebrating with my husband kanreki or our rebirth, The second half of our life, are many unknowns"
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My husband and I both turned 60. We are not over the hill yet, but we consider this as a rebirth. What the future could be is unknown, but would like to build a fulfilling future days.
夫も私も還暦を迎えました。下り坂（over the hill) とは捉えず、第二の人生の始まり、(rebirth)です。先は未知数、達成感のある未来を築いていきたいと思います。
Celebration from my grandchild (孫からの祝い) - Toyozo Umemoto (77) - Shikinami Tanka Group
Poem Translation: "Handmade celebration gift from my grandchildren, brings me overflowing happiness"
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My grandchild, at 8 years old, spent time during COVID to create this masterpiece to share their thoughts to me. I was truly happy.
コロナ禍で８歳の孫が時間をかけ、２５X３５インチの大きな紙に私への数々の思いを表した心温まる作品をくれました。とても嬉しかったです。
Celebrating Beiju (88) (米寿の祝い) - Kimiko Hasegawa (88) - Shikinami Tanka Group
Poem Translation: "My beiju celebration, surrounded by my children and grandchildren,
I renew my sense of gratitude for the life I have received"
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My children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and my friends, over 50 people gathered to celebrate my 88th (beiju). I was quite a frail weak child, but to be able to live until 88, and welcome such a celebratory day… I only have just deep gratitude.
子供、孫、ひ孫に友達が加わり、５０人以上もの人が集まって私の米寿を祝って下さいました。幼いころ病弱だった私が米寿まで生かされて、このように幸せな日を迎えることが出来たのを深く感謝しております。
Celebrating 50 years of marriage at a winery (ワイナリーにて結婚５０年を祝う) - Michiko Matsunaga (73) - Shikinami Tanka Group
Poem Translation: "50 years of doing many things and going many places, As the glass of wine melts all our sufferings and joys together"
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My husband and I live in LA, and we were able to see our daughter, and our son and their family living in Seattle in Paso Robles for the first time in a year. This was for us to celebrate our 50th anniversary of our marriage, and it was a refreshing 2 nights, 3 days stay looking back at the 50 years and see our granchildren’s growth. The kindness from our children, I am filled with gratitude, as we were not expecting to be able to celebrate amid covid.
ロスに住む私たち夫婦は娘とシアトル在住の息子家族やサンノゼの親類と中加の Paso Robles で一年振りに会うことが出来ました。そこのワイナリーで細やかな結婚五十年を祝うためです。家族でゆっくり５０年を振り返り孫の成長を喜んだ二泊三日でした。コロナ禍で集まることをあきらめていた私たち夫婦にとって、子供たちの思いやりは感謝しかありません。
Keiro no Hi (敬老の日) - Utako Takigawa (80) - Shikinami Tanka Group
Poem Translation: "Roses at the Keiro celebration,
Receiving it is my bashful husband turning 90"
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We had a Keiro no Hi celebration at our church. Several of the older adults received a bouquet of flowers from a lady at the church. My kind husband was bashful getting all the attention in front of everyone receiving this.
教会で敬老の日のお祝いがありました。何人かの高齢者が一人ずつ女性から花束を頂きました。 やさしい夫は大勢の注目を浴びて恥ずかしそうにしていました。
Iwaizuru -Celebrating Seniors - Yoko O'Malley (81)
Living with other seniors allows me to celebrate all of our lives.
Celebrating seniors who turn 88 - Haru Shino (94)
The 88th birthday is important to the Japanese elderly.
Celebrating seniors who turn 99 - Sally Toshiko Yoshikawa (97)
The 99th birthday is important to the Japanese elderly.
Celebrating Seniors - Takako Taenaka (82)
We celebrate seniors everyday at Sakura Gardens
Iwau beiju - Celebrating Seniors - Sumiko Takase (84)
Celebrating the lives of all seniors
Iwau beiju - Celebrating seniors - Suzuko Alimento (89)
I want to celebrate the lives of all seniors
Celebrating Marriage - Sumi Takahashi (83)
I want to celebrate the marriage of my family members.
Iwau beiju - Celebrating Seniors - Suzuko Watkins (91)
The life of all seniors is worth celebrating.
Tea Party - Ben Tsuchida (90)
I hope to enjoy some tea with friends and family.
Enjoy Your Food - Mas Itano (89)
I enjoy eating with my friends and family.
Celebrating Art - Violet Kuroki (86)
Art is a way to express our appreciation.
Celebrating Dining with Family - Satoko Komaki (92)
Dining with family is something I look forward to.
Enjoying a Nice Meal - Tomiyo Hatago (83)
Dining on nice plates makes a meal more enjoyable.
Celebrating Dining Together - Yoshi Komaki (100)
Looking forward to gathering with others again.