The Nikkei Centre is offering up a glimpse into the world of Japanese craftspeople.
MINGEI: Japan’s Enduring Folk Arts is set to run June 20 to Oct. 11 at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre.
The exhibition features objects collected from across Japan during the 1980s and published in the book Mingei: Japan’s Enduring Folk Art. It will include more than 100 works of folk art being shown for the first time in Canada.
Amaury Saint-Gilles, the collector and author, will be on hand for an artist talk and opening celebration on Saturday, June 27 from 3 to 5 p.m.
“Folk art from whatever nation in the world has a wholesome character that tells a tale,” Saint-Gilles said in a press release. “When you deal with the more functional wares you see how simplicity speaks with an elegance that many far more elaborate works never attain. I see the humble maker within these pieces that are all far from mute.”
The exhibition has been curated by Margo Palmer, Sam Carter and Sherri Kajiwara.
Other programs and events are coming up in connection with the exhibition, including Make Your Own Mingei Family Day events on June 28, July 26 and Aug. 16.
The Nikkei Centre is at 6688 Southoaks Cres. See www.nikkeiplace.org or call 604-777-7000 for information.
Quartet back on stage
A Burnaby native and St. Thomas More grad is once again taking centre stage as the Koerner Quartet closes its 2014/15 season.
Joseph Elworthy is a Burnaby native who’s now the executive director of the Vancouver Academy of Music. He’s also the cellist with the quartet, which also features violinists Nicholas Wright and Jason Ho, plus Emilie Grimes on viola.
The ensemble is taking to the stage at the Vancouver Academy of Music’s Koerner Recital Hall for Summer Serenade, this Sunday, June 7 at 7 p.m.
They will be joined by two rising stars from the academy, 19-year-old Esther Hwang on violin and 18-year-old Trisha Doo on cello, in a Tchaikovsky sextet.
“My fellow quartet members and I are continually amazed by their burgeoning talent, maturity and artistry,” Elworthy said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to work alongside them as fellow performers in a wonderful finale to our first public season.”
Tickets for the Summer Serenade are $18, or $15 for students and seniors. Koerner Recital Hall is at 1270 Chestnut St. in Vancouver. See www.koerner
quartet.com.
Events offered at Burnaby art gallery
Just a reminder for the art lovers out there that Burnaby Art Gallery is offering some special events in connection with the ongoing Gravure Automatique exhibition.
The exhibition features prints by Canadian artist Dalla Husband, made during her time in Paris through the 1920s and ’30s.
On Thursday, June 4, you can stop in to the gallery at 7 p.m. for a curatorial critique with Eva Tweedie.
Then, on Sunday, June 14, people of all ages can enjoy an interactive In the BAG Family Sunday, with a visit to the exhibition and a free, drop-in studio session featuring hands-on artwork.
Check out www.burnabyartgallery.ca for all the details on these and other events at the gallery.
