Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and a scholar working at multiple cities including Portland, Chicago and Tokyo. She received her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and earned a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan. For more details, visit https://mamitakahashi.art/

With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives to many U.S. communities. At JAF, she is expanding her creativity to incorporate more specific discourses around society, past and present via a lens of Japanese art. Takahashi also aims to connect between Japan and communities in Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques.

The JAF also supports an artist in residence program where artists can explore community driven projects, and pass their knowledge on to others.

This spring we were honored to host renowned artist, Mami Takahashi, as she led our students in Japanese Woodblock printmaking techniques. Students learned to chisel a design into linoleum blocks, and create their own postcard-sized print to take home.

This class introduced students to Ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints produced between the 17th and the 20th centuries. Known for dynamic compositions and color gradations, Ukiyo-e’s influence on both major artists of the western canon such as Paul Gauguin and Van Gogh were explored alongside traditional and current Japanese artists revisiting the techniques and practices.

The Japanese Arts Foundation is pleased to partner with Chicago Public Schools to offer field trips and summer programs to children of various ages in CPS districts. Workshops are based on the needs and interests of each visiting class, but past examples have included demonstrations and instruction in traditional Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu), Japanese paper folding (origami), and self-defensive martial arts (Aikido).

The Japanese Arts Foundation was proud to host a Kimono Exhibit in partnership with the Japanese Culture Center, featuring Nakashima Sensei’s collection of kimono and artwork.

Nakashima Sensei was the second woman ever to receive The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays award. This is the highest honor given outside the Imperial family. The Emperor of Japan personally presented her with this award in Tokyo for her tireless efforts and dedication to promoting Japanese arts and culture.

Several kimono from the collection were displayed, as well as sumi-e (ink wash painting) art from Patricia Larkin-Green Sensei. Ms. Larkin Green has won many awards for her work including the prestigious “Award of Excellence” from the Jade Buddha Temple, LaioNing Province in AnShan City, China several years in a row. Patricia’s work has been the subject of solo and two-person exhibitions in the United States and has exhibited throughout the United States, and in Australia, China, and Japan.

Thanks to donors of the JAF and donations from attendees, we were happy to offer this event free to the public.

In 2019, we celebrated the 3rd annual Japanese Matsuri at Chicago’s New City Plaza in Lincoln Park.

Hosted in partnership with Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya and the Japanese Culture Center, the Japanese Arts Foundation was proud to offer this summer festival where guests could experience authentic Japanese festival foods, cultural performances of Taiko (drumming), large scale Shodo (calligraphy), Traditional Martial Arts(Aikido and Iaido), Sumi-e (ink painting), Cosplay Contests and so much more!

Interactive Japanese cultural booths were held throughout the festival featuring origami, games, arts, fashion, skincare, handwritten calligraphy requests, photo booths, and much more.

Tokyo House Party is a monthly livestreamed night of Japanese art and culture. Tokyo House Party is always free, and trust us - you’re invited. The party is open to conversation, and we chat in real time with your questions and thoughts as you share them. The party goes live at 6pm CDT here, or on our Twitch channel. You can find us/subscribe to our channel on tokyohouseparty.com.