Japanese gardens are living expressions of harmony—where nature is shaped by human hands and guided by the heart. Designing Nature invites you to explore the history, traditions, and philosophies behind this timeless art form—revealing the depth, intention, and beauty that define Japanese garden design. Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment of reflection, a deeper connection to the natural world, or a spark of creative inspiration, the Garden welcomes all who enter.

This exhibition represents a collaboration between Portland Japanese Garden’s two curators: 

• Aki Nakanishi, Director of Japan Institute and Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education  

• Hugo Torii, Garden Curator and Director of the Japanese Garden Training Center  

Pavilion Gallery

As you enter the Pavilion Gallery, you’ll step back in time through a visual journey of the six distinct styles of Japanese gardens that developed over 1500 years. Informed by a deep reverence for the natural world, Japanese garden designers worked in harmony with nature rather than creating artificial spaces.  

 Scale miniatures by architectural model maker, Aimee Eng, shed light on Portland Japanese Garden’s design, while insight about techniques and required maintenance is revealed through a video and quotations from the gardeners.  

Learn how the three basic garden elements of water, plant, and stone have inspired a tapestry of creativity across the ages. Featuring a large-scale waterfall painting of contemporary nihonga painter Hiroshi Senju, a bamboo sculpture from Chikuunsai Tanabe IV and acclaimed artist Honda Syoryu from the collection of Peter Shinbach, and a selection of suiseki, landscape scene stones, from the collection of Andrew and Jeffrey Robson.

Calvin and Mayho Tanabe Gallery 

The exhibition continues in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. Travel to Japan through a curated selection of photographs from four prominent gardens based in Japan: Kairaku-en, Kenroku-en, Koraku-en, and Ritsurin-koen in the Calvin and Mayho Tanabe Gallery. Members and visitors are invited to learn more about the rich history and traditions of garden design from a selection of books in our Vollum Library, located on the Learning Center’s second floor.  

The Living Room Gallery 

Portland Japanese Garden is a love letter from the past to the future, embodying the efforts and care of many over the years. Photographer Stu Levy has been a neighbor of the Garden for over 50 years and has captured its timeless beauty through his black and white images of scenes that echo across the years. From flowing water to mist in the trees, these images evoke meditative moments through a unique perspective. 

The Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner 

From October 18 through November 17, Cross Currents will be on display in the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner. This graceful installation inspires awe at the artistry and malleability of bamboo and its role in Japanese gardens and cultural traditions.  

Crafted by Portland-based bamboo artist Anne Crumpacker, Cross Currents was donated to Portland Japanese Garden by Anne and Mark Edlen in 2024. The artwork showcases Crumpacker’s innovative crosscut bamboo technique through this installation of interwoven panels that evoke a meditative landscape. Learn more about the piece here.