SHOW AND SALE. A Japanese calligraphy demonstration by Japan-born Chiyo Sandana was held during the first Saturday of the "Behind the Shoji" art show and sale at the Portland Japanese Garden. With deft strokes of her brush, the artist rendered delighted participants’ names in Japanese script. A major fundraiser for the garden’s gift shop, the show is on display through September 2. (AR Photo/Julie Stegeman)

From The Asian Reporter, V18, #32 (August 12, 2008), page 13 & 16.

By Julie Stegeman

The Asian Reporter

A visit to the Portland Japanese Garden is always a treat with the serenity that can be found among its lush plants and koi-filled ponds, but through September 2 visitors can also enjoy the beautiful works of art on display at the "Behind the Shoji" art show and sale. Entrance to the exhibit is included with regular garden admission.

"Behind the Shoji" is a major fundraiser for the garden’s gift shop. Proceeds from the sale of each piece are split between the artist and the garden. Nearly every artist participating in the invitational show is from the Pacific Northwest, and each piece has an Asian connection.

The pieces are grouped in a large room by artist, with a mini biography of the artist next to his or her work. There is a great variety in the types and price of the art on display, from handcrafted greeting cards and delicately wrought origami ornaments to colorful pottery and intricate sculpture. One such sculpture is a somewhat fearsome and absolutely amazing fish by Wataru Sugiyama. Beautiful antique furniture is also interspersed among the art pieces. Kihachiro Nishiura, who owns a shop in Tokyo and has a showroom in northeast Portland, provided the 19th- and 20th- century pieces.

Paula Wheeler, manager of operations of the garden gift store and gate, began the process of organizing the annual event in February, although she keeps an eye out year-round for potential new artists for the show. Artists often submit samples of their work with hope of becoming part of the show. Several of the artists are also members of the garden.

The Portland Japanese Garden has hosted the show for several years, although until 2006 it was held during the winter to draw visitors during the garden’s off season. When the show was moved to the summer, proceeds increased a dramatic 103 percent.

The 2008 "Behind the Shoji" art show and sale was launched with a Japanese Garden members-only event last month. The event allowed members the first opportunity to see and buy the art while sipping wine, listening to music, and meeting artists on a beautiful summer evening. Approximately 400 people attended, and many pieces of art were sold.

Live art demonstrations take place Saturdays and Sundays through September 2. Many of the events are scheduled between 1:00 and 3:00pm.

During my visit on the first Saturday of the sale, Chiyo Sandana, born in Hiroshima, Japan, was seated at a table on the patio with a panoramic view of downtown Portland behind her.

A current resident of Olympia, Washington, she gave a demonstration of Japanese calligraphy. With deft strokes of her brush, she rendered delighted participants’ names in Japanese script.

Sandana began studying Japanese calligraphy when she was seven years old. She said she loved practicing calligraphy as a child and that the "only bad part was washing the brush."

Viewing the artwork in the "Behind the Shoji" show is certainly worthy a trip to Portland’s southwest hills. After viewing the beauty of the manmade art, however, be sure to stroll around the grounds and take in all the natural treasures it holds.

For more information, or to obtain a complete schedule of weekend artist demonstrations, call (503) 223-1321 or visit <www.japanesegarden.com>.