Sakura Exhibition 2013 Los Angeles will be presented from Saturday, April 20, to Sunday, May 12, at the George J. Doizaki Gallery, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo.
Sakura (cherry blossoms) have been loved by Japanese people since ancient times, and today they are well known all over the world as Japanese flowers. Sakura Exhibition, to be held while the sakura are in bloom, has been introducing creative artists to the world since 2009. Each year, as the number of host countries and cities continues to grow, the quality of the art on display is further refined, and as a result, fans of the Sakura Exhibition have also been growing in number in recent years.
Recently, participating artists are not only from Japan but have also expanded internationally. A total of 226 works by 191 artists will be displayed in Los Angeles. Sakura Exhibition has become a gathering of Japanese-style illustration inspired by anime, manga, and games from Japan, filled with groundbreaking artwork.
Gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Opening reception will be held on April 20. From 12 to 2 p.m., Chef Akira Hirose of Maison Akira will serve French cuisine with a Japanese flair, plus Lupicia fresh tea and Momoko, a green tea blend flavored with peace and vanilla.
From 2 to 3 p.m., attendees can try the Japanese art of origami, and a promotional video for the exhibition will be shot.
Produced by Hyacca, an organization consisting of groups and individuals whose purpose is to introduce Japanese artists to the world. The name means “one hundred flowers.” It is hoped that the artists will bloom in the world like flowers.
Co-produced by Team LA Japan and the JACCC. For more information, email contact@lajapan.com or visit www.facebook.com/TeamLaJapan.
JACCC programs are made possible in part by grants from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the L.A. County Arts Commission, the Japan Foundation Los Angeles, the Gas Company, and AT&T. Significant in-kind support is provided by American Honda Motor Co. Inc. and American Airlines. LA 18/KSCI-TV and The Rafu Shimpo are media sponsors.