Press Releases

Press Releases

Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute Name New Co-CEOs

Lisa Christy and Aki Nakanishi Bring Decades of Expertise into Joint Leadership of Beloved Non-Profit Organization Portland, ORE., United States—January 16 2026—Lisa Christy, Executive Director of Portland Japanese Garden, and Aki Nakanishi, Director of Japan Institute and the Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education for Portland Japanese Garden have been named Co-CEOs of

Press Releases

Portland Japanese Garden’s Final Exhibition of 2025 Explores History and Artistry of Japanese Gardens

Portland Japanese Garden is delighted to announce its final art exhibition of 2025: Designing Nature: Elements of Harmony. Opening Saturday, September 27 and running through February 23, 2026, this exhibition invites visitors to explore the history, techniques, and traditions behind this timeless art form—revealing the depth, intention, and beauty that define Japanese garden design.

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Press Releases Art Exhibitions

First Art Exhibition of 2025 at Portland Japanese Garden Features Contemporary Bizen Ceramics Based on 900-Year Tradition

Portland Japanese Garden is excited to present its first new art exhibition of 2025 with Earthen Elegance: The Ceramic Art of Bizen. Opening Saturday, February 8 and running through June 9 in the Pavilion Gallery, this exhibition celebrates contemporary ceramic art and vessels that preserve a time-honored collaboration of earth, fire, and the artist’s hand.

Press Releases

Gift a Japanese Garden for the Holidays

As you consider the presents you’ll be giving this holiday season, we encourage purchasing those you love a gift membership to Portland Japanese Garden to give them a space to find peace and connect with nature.  Portland Japanese Garden stands as a crown jewel of its home city and because it is in perpetual evolution, it is best enjoyed through multiple visits, something its members can attest to.