“Windows to Our Future” Art in Storefronts Exhibition Runs Sept. - Oct. 27, 2022
Chiyo and her talented friends will be in front of the exhibit during Arts Walk to do names in Japanese and calligraphy on bookmarks on Friday, October 7, from 5:30-7:30 and Saturday, October 8, from 12:30-2:30 pm. This is a free event.
Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) announces a new Art in Olympia Storefronts installation! Windows to Our Future features the work of artist and calligrapher Chiyo Sanada.
This installation is interactive.
Olympia is investing in the arts community with
the establishment of the Downtown Creative District
Inspire Olympia initiative (Cultural Access Fund)
and the development of Armory as an arts center.
Recognizing this investment, OAA selected Sanada to create banners asking two questions:
1. What do you envision for the future of Arts in Olympia?
2. How can Olympia Artspace Alliance help realize that potential?
The banners are part of the installation. OAA encourages visitors to the exhibit to scan the QR code on the exhibit and answer the questions.
OAA also asked Sanada to share her inspiring artwork in the windows of the Goldberg Building.
Sanada is from Hiroshima, Japan. She began training in Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) at age seven. She graduated from Hiroshima Bunkyo University in 1995. She earned a teaching certificate and a degree in Japanese calligraphy. Soon after graduating, she started teaching. Since coming to the U.S. in 2000, she has made her home in the South Puget Sound area. "Japanese calligraphy gives me joy, and it is my life. My passion is sharing the joy of Japanese calligraphy," she said.
Shodo is an art of movement, using ink, brush, and paper to express thoughts and emotions in characters.
Sanada imbues each brushstroke of the Japanese characters with meaning, power, and rhythm. "My goal is to make connections with people from all over the world through art," she said.
She uses acrylics, watercolor, mixed media, and other techniques to create her unique style.
"Working with Chiyo was an absolute delight! Her talent and vision helped create a cohesive installation that is both beautiful and inquisitive," said Erika Naficy of 3rd Hand Artist Support and Storefronts' project manager.
The exhibit is now open for viewing and will be up through October 27, 2022.
OAA encourages the community to scan the QR code on the building and give the Alliance answers to the questions.
Who: Olympia Artspace Alliance presents the work of Chiyo Sanada
What: The Windows to Our Future, an art exhibit that is part of OAA’s Art in Storefronts project featuring the work of Chiyo Sanada
Where: Windows of the Goldberg Building, 403 Capitol Way S, Olympia
When: The Exhibit is Open for Viewing now through October 27, 2022.
Chiyo Sanada Artist Statement
As an artist, my passion has always been Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo ). Shodo is essentially an art of movement, using ink, brush, and paper to express thoughts and emotions in characters. With complete focus, I imbue each brushstroke of the Japanese characters with meaning, power, and rhythm. My goal is to make connections with people from all over the world through art. Though my primary audience is unfamiliar with Japanese characters, I often use color, texture, and strokes to successfully convey emotions and concepts through the art, so others can intuitively sense its meaning or feeling. I use acrylics, watercolor, mixed media collage, and 3D techniques to create a unique style. I also enjoy live demonstrations that are often performed in conjunction with other Japanese art forms. I have performed with Taiko drummers, "Noh" dancers, and Koto players. Live performance adds more movement and emotions to calligraphy.