Tucson Desert Art Museum
Contact:
Krista Stoker
520-202-3888
520-771-2293 (Mobile)
mail@tucsondart.org

MUSEUM EXHIBITION OPENING IN OCTOBER 2022 EXPLORES JAPANESE
INTERNMENT CAMPS IN ARIZONA.
“Opening October 12th in the Tucson Desert Art Museum, “Citizen/Enemy: Japanese
American Internment” confronts an uncomfortable period in American history. The 1941
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor left America in a state of paranoia and uncertainty.
Concern was voiced that American citizens of Japanese descent would have sympathies
for the enemy-at-war Japan and could transmit critical information regarding the war
effort to the enemy.

This paranoia, coupled with economic pressures, led to the 1942 Executive Order from
President Franklin D. Roosevelt which enabled the US government to relocate people of
Japanese descent to internment camps. Approximately 120,000 persons were relocated
and spent the duration of the war in poorly designed, makeshift camps, some of which
were in Arizona. When relocated, people could bring only what they could carry. They
were forced to board up their homes and leave their farms and jobs for an indefinite time.
“Citizen/Enemy” describes the tragedy of this political action and the resulting
repercussions for Japanese Americans. Large-scale images from noted photographer
Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee and others memorialize this period and offer a guide for
reflection in the exhibition. Although some reparations were eventually paid to Japanese Americans,

they were never fully compensated for their economic losses or the loss in
dignity and freedom that citizens felt during this time. Many lost their farms, homes, and
livelihoods completely due to the internment.

“As we, as a Nation, review current immigration policies and challenges to curriculum in
our education system for our youth, this exhibition provides a timely reminder that
sometimes history is uncomfortable to view, but that we can always learn from our past.”
Rhonda Smith, the Director of the Museum states. “Our Museum asks guests to visualize
history through art. This exhibition uses large photographs, installations, and historical
documents to encourage our guests to do just that: imagine that they were forced to
endure what happened during this time to Japanese Americans.”
Citizen/Enemy: Japanese American Internment opens October 12th

and continues through March 25, 2023.

An event is planned for the Day of Remembrance in February
2023.

About Us:
Tucson Desert Art Museum, 501(c)(3) organization that opened in November 2013,
presents thought-provoking exhibitions that explore the art, history, and cultures of the
Southwest and surrounding regions. The museum showcases a world-class permanent
collection of Native American textiles, western art, and artifacts, as well as special yearly
exhibitions. The facility includes a Southwestern art gallery and gift shop and plenty of
dedicated parking. The Museum offers guided tours of the permanent collection and
special exhibitions for schools, seniors, and community groups.”

Museum admission is $10.00/adults, $8.00/seniors, and $6.00/students.
Address: Tucson Desert Art Museum: 7000 East Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85715
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM – 3 PM

Carolyn’s note:  This civil rights exhibit opens Oct. 12 and will continue to March 25, 2023. Stay tuned for info on the Day of Remembrance event marking 81st anniversary of when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the infamous E.O. 9066 which caused this relocation of Japanese Americans civilians, 2/3 of whom were US Citizens, 1/4 were children.  E.O. 9066 was signed on Feb. 19, 1942.

Museum Exhibitions

Here’s the schedule for Japanese performances at 2022 Tucson Meet Yourself folk festival at Jacome Plaza in downtown Tucson.

Takoyaki Balls food booth will be at #35 serving favorite Japanese dishes:
“Takoyaki $6 octopus dumplings
Gyoza $5 chicken dumplings
Japanese curry rice $9
Katsu Curry $11
Gyu Don $11 beef and rice bowl
Onigiri (TunaMayo, PorkMiso) 2 for $6
Tai Yaki Sweet beans inside $3 for ONE PIECE”

Origam paper foldingi will be taught by Prof. Chieko Nakano throughout the festival at the Folks Art area.

Friday October 7:

1 p.m. Odaiko Sonora taiko workshop at Movement & Wellness tent
“Sonya Evans of Odaiko Sonora and Holly Huff of Mindful Matters offer a hands-on demonstration and workshop.”

————–

Saturday October 8:

1 p.m. UA Kyudo & AZ Kyudo Kai archery demo at Congress Street stage

2 p.m. Mari Kaneta & Suzuyuki Kai dancers perform at Congress Street stage

3:30 p.m. Suzuyuki Kai dancers workshop at Movement & Wellness Tent

5 p.m. Odaiko Sonora taiko drummers at Church Street stage

Map of Tucson Meet Yourself stages below.

Info at www.tucsonmeetyourself.org.

Event by Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson

Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson

Tickets
www.yumegardens.org

“We can’t wait to welcome back our old friends and meet some new ones too! Yume will be re-opening its gates on October 1st, 2022. Enjoy the Gardens along with food from Takoyaki Balls food truck and a performance on the Japanese drums from Odaiko Sonora. After you soak in the music and fill up on the delicious food, there is another part of the Garden you can’t miss, our Museum and Gallery! Two beautiful exhibits will be debuting on the same day: Hokkaido: Silent Snow by Elizabeth Sanjuan and Obi: Beauty in a Knot from our private collection.
Check out our website for more information on these stunning exhibits or to purchase your tickets in advance here: https://www.yumegardens.org/purchase-tickets.“

Usual hours of operation:
Thurs. to Sat.   9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday  12 to 5 p.m.

Japanese Netsuke: Upholding Cultural History of Japan

August 30, 2022 – January 22, 2023

“Japanese netsuke are cherished, valued and collected for their magnificent design and impressive carving. It is hard to imagine these small “sculptures” were initially artfully crafted utilitarian toggles, created to secure the cords of a man’s sagemono (hanging objects) in place on the obi (belt) of his kimono.

One might think these miniature Japanese carvings are solely tiny works of art until you notice the curious holes on the back or underside of these small sculptures. The pair of holes reveal their original function: they were artfully crafted toggles called netsuke, used to secure the cords of a man’s sagemono to his kimono belt (known as an obi). Kimono did not have pockets, so sagemono were small containers or pouches that hung on a cord and contained everyday essentials and money. Since they were a necessity worn every day by commoners and wealthy alike, netsuke were a fashion accessory, and high-status individuals would often have elaborately carved and extravagant netsuke.

The earliest netsuke were simple shapes made from wood, gourd, even tree root. From the Edo period (1615–1868) forward, a side industry for netsuke emerged. They were soon being carved from wood, ivory, tooth, tusk, horn, clay, porcelain, metal, lacquer, shell, and a variety of stones. As the industry expanded, so did the types of netsuke designs. Katabori is the most popular style. The katabori is a miniature carving of a figure, a person, animal, insect; it might even be an everyday object. Manju is the second most popular form and probably the original form of netsuke: its round shape mimics a small rice cake or bun. Ryusa is shaped like a manju, but carved like lace, so that light is transmitted through it. Sashi is an elongated netsuke. Members of the ruling class and those of means sought out the most sophisticated and beautiful netsuke, bearing witness to the fact that these toggles were valued for their artistic merit.

A survey of the subjects of netsuke carvings from the Edo period through the early 19th century provides an overview of the traditional values and mores of Japanese culture. Prior to the seventeenth century Japanese artists looked to China as the model for their artistic practice. As a result, the subjects of Japanese art were based on Chinese legends and legendary characters. Introduced in the 1620s the Ukiyo-e School founded by Iwasa Matahei (1577–1650), abandoned Chinese subjects and emphasized ordinary life, religion, history, folklore, and legends of Japan. Netsuke carvers embraced these subjects, and by the latter half of the 18th century had added several new subjects to their repertoire including gods of luck, daruma (a traditional Japanese doll symbolizing perseverance), signs of the zodiac, oni (demons), Japanese poets, historical events and even popular foreigners. Beginning in the 19th century, animals, birds, reptiles, vegetables, fruit and imagery evoking certain occupations also became subjects of netsuke.

Japan opened to the West during the Meiji period (1868–1912). With the introduction and popularity of western style clothing netsuke’s utilitarian purpose became obsolete. However, netsuke did not disappear captivated by their beauty, desire for these elaborately carved miniature “sculptures” launched a new trade industry with the Western world, solidifying the status of netsuke as works of art. Long after being outmoded, today’s netsuke are valued and collected due to their unique designs and the intricate carving skills of their creators, as well as being a testament to the legacy of Japanese fashion and culture.”

„These classes take place IN-PERSON in the Education Building Classroom here at the Gardens.

Class Dates: Sundays, September 25th, October 16th, and December 4th at 9am-12pm

Learn the art and science of bonsai with the Tucson Bonsai Society during the three-part workshop you will learn the techniques for long-term cultivation and shaping of plants in containers adapted to the horticulture of our Sonoran Desert.

Included:

• Three classes of 3 hours each
• Basic Class: A plant for you to choose suitable for bonsai in Tucson desert climate
• Master Instructor, Rod McKenna will be your bonsai instructor
• “Little Book of Bonsai” book by Jonas Dupuich as study reference material
• Use of a variety of  bonsai tools
• Our experienced teachers will provide hands-on assistance throughout sessions
• Training Wire
• Soil

Basic Class Description

Class 1, Instructors cover Bonsai basics and history.  They will demonstrate how to choose material for bonsai, and how to design the future tree with emphasis on style, visual front, trunk, limb structure and rootage.   They will demonstrate pruning and wiring helping you to learn techniques.   You will select a tree ideal for Tucson climate and begin caring and styling your tree until the next class.

Class 2.  After the plant has rested for a month, the class will share knowledge of each participant’s plant choice and will explore the best species for training bonsai in our desert environment, and what to avoid.  We will devote more on pruning and wiring, watering, fertilizers and climate.   More discussions on major styles used for training your bonsai.

Class 3.  In the final session (2 months under your care), we give plants more time to adjust for our climate change before we transplant the bonsai into a standard container.  You may purchase other pots from noted bonsai artists if you wish for an addition fee from $20-$100. Cash or check accepted.  You will be given proper bonsai mix during your repotting.  And understanding how to mix your own for other trees in your collection.“

Click the button below to register for this series (all 3 classes). Price: $140 non-member, $112 member.Sign Up For This Class