Frederick Harris Gallery

The former Genkan Gallery was renamed in December 2010 to honor the late Dr Frederick Harris, a former Club president, longtime chair of the Genkan Gallery Committee, renowned artist and cultural ambassador whose profound contributions to the Club and the grander art world over the decades were plentiful.

The Frederick Harris Gallery houses a changing selection of fine artwork from local and internationally renowned artists. Exhibitions feature a new artist every month, with works ranging from oil paintings and traditional Japanese woodblock prints to ceramics and sculptures.

Much of the displayed artwork is available for purchase through the Member Services Desk. Sales of works begin at 6 pm on the first day of the exhibition.

Artist Exhibitions
Artists interested in exhibiting their artwork can complete an application at the Member Services Desk. Showcased artists are selected by the Frederick Harris Gallery Committee.



Featured Artists


     

Kenichi Iwase
April 8–28

Molding clay into elegantly effortless ceramics, Kenichi Iwase still aims for perfection when practicing a craft to which he has devoted 50 years of his life.

Having never given into the tempting lure of habit, Iwase says each graceful piece he creates is a fresh interpretation of his singular signature. "Learning from classic Japanese and Oriental ceramic works," he says, "I aspire to create my own style of works."

Whether he's forging customary chinaware, classic flower vases or tea bowls for Japanese tea ceremony, he approaches the process anew. "It is a daily challenge," he says.

Having trained under the late Housie Matsui, a national treasure, Iwase has been traveling the country on a quest to experiment with a variety of clay, kaolin and kilns. "Take the color of the glaze as an example," he says, "it is [the] result of numerous trials and errors."

He has exhibited his stunning creations in galleries from Ginza to Osaka, and this month the prolific artist brings his works to the Club for a third time. "In past exhibitions, he demonstrated his own new styles," says Yumiko Sai, chair of the Frederick Harris Gallery Committee. "This time, he changed his work to more modern ceramics with a Japanese flavor. The committee was impressed by his ongoing efforts to create sophisticated artwork."

Ever the pioneer, Iwase has recently begun exploring the creative possibilities of black porcelain. "[There] is still a long way to go to achieve what I have in mind," he says, "and [it] will still be a long journey."





     

Shoko and Suiko Ohta
April 29–May 19

Taking her inspiration from the changing of seasons, Shoko Ohta paints Japan's awe-inspiring landscapes with the hope of inspiriting the next generation of Japanese artists and collectors, just as her father influenced her.

"The movements of the traditional brush allow me to realistically depict Japanese beauty in my paintings," she says. "That art style has been passed on to my pupils and my daughter, Suiko, who has applied more bold design and colors and has been producing works emphasizing the grace of natural mineral pigments."

Striving to foster intercultural communication through art, Shoko and her daughter create eye-catching works highlighting Japan's iconic cherry blossoms and autumn foliage and capturing scenes of daily life.

"We have introduced to many foreigners nanboku and yamato paintings, brush paintings and other Japanese art," she says.

Celebrating their culture through craft, mother and daughter also find inspiration in the legendary illustrations of The Tale of Genji, a 12th-century masterpiece by noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu.

Exhibiting their world-renowned works at the Frederick Harris Gallery this month, Shoko and Suiko say their paintings have a decidedly feminine mystique. "We hope [Members] will enjoy our various works that show female feelings of delicacy and colors," says Shoko. After all, Mother Nature is their muse.

Gallery Reception
Tuesday, April 30
6:30–8 pm
Frederick Harris Gallery (B1 Formal Lobby)
Free
Open to invitees and Members only




  

Kei Shimizu
May 20–June 9

A professional calligraphy artist for nearly two decades, Kei Shimizu’s creations appear to be in motion. These pieces, she says, are the result of years of painstaking dedication to her chosen art form.

“Each brush stroke expressed in each of my works underscores my long and deep career as a professional calligrapher. The value of my career exists in each dot, each line of calligraphy, and I believe the viewers recognize its difference,” she says.

Having first put brush to paper at 8 years old, Shimizu earnestly began studying calligraphy at 15, under a master artist or daijisho. She soon revealed her talent for shodo and numerous awards at contests followed.

“It’s a daily feeling,” she says. “Experiencing, touching and feeling many things every day motivates me to create calligraphy works, so I keep my eyes and mind open to receive inspiration and to renew my sensitivity.”

With a passion for contemporary calligraphy, the 53-year-old aims to create a wide range of large- and small-scale art that complements modern home interiors as distinctive as her customers.

“That’s the difference between calligraphy works and paintings,” she says. “I’d like to let viewers imagine the scene and the scenery, not only from the letters but also from the blank, white space of my works—and I’d like to share its feelings.”

Ever the artist, she sees no end to artistic possibilities. “I do not set any goal,” she says, “creative activities must last forever.”

Gallery Reception
Monday, May 20
6:30–8 pm
Frederick Harris Gallery (B1 Formal Lobby)
Free
Open to invitees and Members only