‘Far East to Down East II’ is an artistic adventure from Asia at MOTHERS Art Gallery

MOTHERS Art & Antique Gallery announces its 2024 exhibition schedule and the grand opening of its new second floor gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. June 2, which will double the amount of exhibition space.

• MAY: “Far East to Down East II: Contemporary Japanese Art, and Water!!!”

• JUNE: “In the Footsteps of John Marin: Cape Split Area Artists.” Opening: 4 to 6 p.m. June 2.

• JULY: “From the Hudson to the Pleasant River: David Vosburgh and Richard Bazelow.” Opening: 4 to 6 p.m. July 7.

• AUGUST: Disappearing Downeast Working Waterfront: Valerie Aponik and Robin Rier. Opening: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 4.

• SEPTEMBER: “CALIFLORA: Works on paper by SF Bay Area Artists.” Opening: 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 1.

“Far East to Down East II” features work by 16 Japanese artists at MOTHERS Art Gallery. The show is on view from May 1 to 31.

The artists from Sakai, near Osaka, Japan, are members of International Art Bridge, which is a group dedicated to artistic and cultural exchanges and exhibitions all over the world. Their work is contemporary yet uses traditional Japanese materials and methods. It’s a meeting of East and West, old and new. 

The group, past and present, include national living treasures, tenured art professors at major Japanese universities, and professional artists. Their means of expression include painting, drawing, sculpture, print making, paper, mixed media, glass, photography and calligraphy.

Whitney Vosburgh, of MOTHERS Gallery, says, “I lived in Tokyo as a child as my father worked for Pan American Airways. In 2005, I joined the Berkeley-Sakai Association, a sister city relationship, and started a series of ongoing art and cultural exchanges between Berkeley and Sakai artists. After a nearly 20-year relationship, I invited Art Bridge artists to exhibit at MOTHERS Gallery.”

MOTHERS Art Gallery is at 19 Church Hill Circle, Columbia Falls. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday from May 1 to Sept. 21 but closed during the last week of each month, otherwise open by appointment by calling 510-504-1109. Learn more at www.mothersartgallery.com.