Spring 2007 - Yosemite Online

Chiura Obata: Art of Yosemite 1927-1950Yosemite Valley MuseumJune 9–October 21, 2007This exhibit explores the work of the artist Chiura Obata (1885–1975) who firstvisited Yosemite in 1927, and produced watercolors that led to a series of prints madeby master woodblock artists in Japan. The show extensively covers his earliest visitsduring 1927–1930, but includes works produced up to 1950. A gifted artist in traditionalJapanese sumi and watercolor, Obata incorporated modern approaches to hisart that put him in the forefront of early twentieth century artistic innovations. Comesee what have been described as some of the most beautiful and innovative landscapesof Yosemite ever made.The exhibit includes examples of Obata’s woodblock prints, watercolors, sumi ink,and sketches, as well as his actual paints, brushes, and other artifacts that helped bringhis work alive. Through a generous contribution from the Yosemite Fund, the showwas developed by Jonathan Bayless, Yosemite’s Chief Curator, and YA board memberKimi Kodani Hill, Obata’s granddaughter, who as guest curator brings many personaltouches to the show.The exhibit will be open daily from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., thanks to theefforts of YA’s volunteer docents. YA will also have many Obata-related items forsale in its museum store, including the book Obata’s Yosemite, cards, and woodblockreproductions. As always, association members receive a 15% discount on theirpurchases at all YA stores.El Capitan. 1930Donors and Friends Celebrate Art & Education Center OpeningOn Friday, March 30th, YA celebratedthe first day of classes at the YosemiteArt & Education Center with an openingreception for our most generous donors.With wines donated by the AmericanPark Network and Redwood Creek andhors d’oeuvres from Yosemite Lodgeat the Falls, YA introduced our growingoperation at the Art Center and theschedule of volunteer artists for the 2007season. Board Chair Christy Hollowaygreeted our Sustaining, Patron, andBenefactor members, and welcomedthe Spring Forum speakers, YosemiteSuperintendent Michael Tollefson, andChief of Interpretation Chris Stein. Asthey mingled, guests enjoyed a sneakpeak of the Spring Forum Art Auctionand the beautiful weather on the adjacentporch.The Yosemite Art & Education Centeroffers free art classes to the publicMonday through Saturday from AprilMember donors and volunteers Jerry and Dianne McMahon, Judy Johnson, and AnnHardeman helped us celebrate the grand opening of the Yosemite Art & Education Centeron the evening before the Spring Forum.LAUREL REMATOREthrough October. For more informationcall 209-372-1442 or visit www.yosemite.org/AAC.html.Many thanks to the American ParkNetwork, Redwood Creek, DeniseMatsuoka, Jo Mariorano, Joe Alfano, andJanis Kunz for their vital contributions.Their efforts helped ensure the successof this event.Won’t You Join Us?We invite you to enhance YA’s abilityto deliver important programsand services throughout the parkby upgrading your membership ormaking a donation today! Thosewho have given $250 or more inthe last year are invited to our pre-Forum and pre-Members’ Meetingreceptions, where attendees meetour featured speakers, park officialsand YA board members. Those whohave given $1,000 or more in the lastyear are invited to a marvelous falloutdoor dinner on the AhwahneeMeadow, catered by The Ahwahneeand hosted by DNC. If these givinglevels fit within your budget, pleasesend your gift today so you too canbe a part of these special events!YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION, SPRING 200721