Press Release

THE JAPAN CRAZE: Art and Craft in Rhode Island after 1854

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Sponsored by WILLIAM VAREIKA FINE ARTS LTD
Exhibition at Newport Art Museum, June 12 - October 17, 2010
Reception: June 18, 5 - 7 pm

NEWPORT, RI: A new exhibition at the Newport Art Museum highlights the American fascination with Japan that swept across this country beginning at mid-19th century. "The Japan Craze: Art and Craft in Rhode Island after 1854," sponsored by WILLIAM VAREIKA FINE ARTS LTD, opens on June 12 and runs through October 17, 2010. The Museum will host a reception for its summer exhibitions on Friday, June 18, 5 - 7 pm. The reception is free for Museum members; $10 for non-members.

"The Japan Craze" features paintings, prints, books and decorative objects with a Rhode Island connection that suggest the Japanese influence (Japonism or Japonisme.) Works collected by Rhode Islanders that are of Japanese origin, or that reflect Japonism are also included.

Rhode Island can lay claim to at least two major connections to the craze for all things Japanese. Newport's native son Commodore Mathew C. Perry sailed halfway around the world to negotiate the Kanagawa Treaty, which opened Japan to the rest of the world in 1854. "The Japan Craze" coincides with Newport's annual Black Ships Festival (July 15 - 18), which commemorates Perry's historic achievements. "Black Ships," or "Kurofune," refers to the Japanese term for foreign ships which, with one exception, were excluded from Japan for two hundred years until 1854. Perry's signed copy of The Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan will be on loan to the exhibition from the Redwood Library and Athenaeum.

John La Farge, one of the most notable of many important 19th century American artists to work in Newport and whose wife coincidentally was the great-niece of Matthew Perry, traveled to Japan and was among the first American artists whose style and subject matter were influenced by the Japanese aesthetic. "The Japan Craze" includes Japanese influenced work by La Farge as well as Japanese objects he owned.

This collaborative exhibition encompasses work from the Newport Art Museum's permanent collection including Ukiyoe prints donated to the Art Association by the widow of the Rev. Stanley Hughes, as well as work on loan from the Preservation Society of Newport County, the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Rhode Island Department of Textiles, Fashion, Merchandising, and Design, Providence Art Club, and many private collections.

The Newport Art Museum will present a number of associated exhibitions and programs. "From the Japanese: Contemporary Selections" features work by Rhode Island artists such as the late Alfred De Credico, Luke Randall, Diane Montenegro, Hiroko Shikashio and Bettie Sarantos, among others.

Outside on the Museum's grounds, artist Meris Barreto will install Ex Voto, a sculpture inspired by Buddhist votive offerings. Museum visitors will be invited to record a thought or prayer on Japanese joss paper, then place it in the sculpture. The papers will be collected and burned in a Japanese-inspired fire box.

The Museum's art school, the Coleman Center for Creative Studies will explore Japanese art and culture this summer with speakers, workshops and classes for adults, teens and children. Offerings include a series of art history classes with Noelle King O'Connor on Japonism, Buddhist Art, Samurai swords, Manga, Anime and other topics; classes on Shodo (Japanese Kanji characters), Ikebana (flower arrangement), and Wabi Sabi, and Japanese-themed art camp for children. A series of family craft workshops includes Japanese Poem Cards (July 15), Shell Matching Game (July 22), and Japanese Decorative Motifs (July 29). For information or to register, visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org, call (401)848-2787 or stop by the Coleman Center, Monday - Friday 11 am - 3 pm.

About the Newport Art Museum: The Newport Art Museum's collections and exhibitions focus on the visual artists of Newport and southeastern New England, reflecting both the rich heritage of the past and the lively art scene of the present. The Museum also offers art classes and camps, concerts, talks, trips, and special events throughout the year. The Newport Art Museum is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums and receives support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. The Newport Art Museum is situated in Newport's Old Quarter at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. Admission: $10 adults; $8 seniors; $6 Military and students with valid ID; Museum members and children under 5: no charge. By donation Saturday from 10 am to noon. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sun 12 - 5 pm. Open most major holiday Mondays. Check website for details. To learn more visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org or call (401) 848-8200.

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