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2017 Behind the Shoji: Pacific Northwest Artist Showcase

Posted by Portland Japanese Garden on
Dan Kunnecke_Shoji 2017_IMG_0311
Work by featured artist Dan Kunnecke
Work by featured artist Dan Kunnecke

Behind the Shoji, Portland Japanese Garden’s show and sale of Japanese-inspired art and crafts is coming June 17-July 16, 2017.

This annual show features some of the finest Japanese-inspired arts and crafts available, with an emphasis this year on the work of Northwest artists. For the first time ever, the event will be held in the new Yanai Classroom, a feature of the recently unveiled Cultural Village at Portland Japanese Garden.

Work by featured artist Dan Kunnecke

As tea cups are notoriously one of the Garden’s most sought-after items, Behind the Shoji will have an abundance of one-of-a-kind ceramics available for purchase.

Featured artist Dan Kunnecke will have several of his works for sale. Kunnecke is a potter in Portland, with roots that trace back to Japan.

“I grew up in Japan, and my work is heavily influenced by my upbringing and frequent trips as a teenager to the pottery village of Mashiko, about 2 hours outside of Tokyo. I love making beautiful things that require an investment of skill, time, and effort,” said Kunnecke.

Behind the Shoji: Pacific Northwest Artist Showcase

Behind the Shoji, Portland Japanese Garden’s show and sale of Japanese-inspired art and crafts is coming June 17-July 16. From ceramics to sculpture, prints and paintings, wearables, furniture, paper products and more, this year’s Behind the Shoji is a chance to highlight the incredible creations of Northwest artists.

Learn more about the event

Dozens of artists offered submissions, and our Garden staff carefully selected each artist making sure the work expresses an awareness of Japanese aesthetics. The Garden will be selling only the finest works that connect with the design and underlying concepts of the Garden itself: simplicity, clean lines, and respect for nature.

Suzye Ogawa’s miniature bronze basket

Behind the Shoji will feature artist Suzye Ogawa’s miniature bronze baskets. Each piece is first created in wax then cast into bronze, fine silver, sterling silver, or gold. The metal casting is polished and finished. Natural basketry materials are added to complete each piece.

“The melding of hard and soft materials and my Japanese American heritage now challenges, dominates and drives my creative spirit,” she said.

Indigo Shibori Dyed Linen Pillows by Jenny Fong of Modern Shibori

From ceramics to sculpture, prints and paintings, wearables, furniture, paper products and more, this year’s Behind the Shoji is a chance to highlight the incredible creations of Northwest artists.

There will be a Member Preview Reception on the evening on June 16th.