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Photo
Gallery
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Introduction
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Hosts
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Perhaps
the best thing about this exchange was the opportunity to stay
with a host family in an authentic Japanese home, whether it
be traditional or more modern. Getting to know people on a daily
basis in the intimate environment of their own home is a rare
opportunity. My hosts went out of their way to provide a comfortable,
pleasant, and memorable stay. In addition they guided me through
Tokyo and the surrounding area. I am eternally grateful to my
new friends for all their thoughtful assistance and generosity
of spirit.
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Tea House
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On
our first day in Japan we were taken to a lovely Tea House in
the Tokyo area. There we participated in two types of Tea Ceremonies
and were treated to dancing and musical performances by well known
Japanese artists.
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Welcome Banquet
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Our
Welcome Banquet was held in the dining room and garden terrace
of the Saitama Modern Art Museum. There the recently formed
"Exchange Road" organization of Japanese artists was
officially introduced to the Wisconsin Painters & Sculptors
participating members. Plaques were presented to those who made
significant contributions to creating the 2002 Art Exhibition
& Cultural Exchange. Once the formalities were complete
we had dinner and spent the evening reuniting with old friends
and meeting new ones.
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Exhibitions
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The
exhibitions were held at three separate venues over a brief period
of time, in Tokyo and the surrounding area.
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Edo Tokyo Museum
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Kyoko
kindly took me to several museums and galleries, one of which was
the fascinating Edo Tokyo Museum. It was full of beautiful models
built to scale as well as objects and artifacts from these historical
periods.
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Inoue Gallery
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Ms.
Inoue graciously exhibited the art works of the American and Japanese
artists
in her fine art gallery located in the heart of Tokyo, the well
known Ginza district. These photos were taken at the reception
to meet the artists.
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Izu Penninsula
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Thanks
to the generosity of Yoko Nakamura, many of us had the opportunity
to visit the Izu Penninsula, while staying at her wonderful
country home. On a clear day one can even see Mount Fuji from
the back porch. Izu
is well known for it's magnificent hills and views. It is a
hot spot for earthquake and volcanic activity which only added
to our sense of adventure.
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Hakone
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While
in the countryside of Izu we stopped and visited the splendid
gardens in what once was the Imperial Summer Palace and the Hakone
Museum of Art.
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Farewell Potluck
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Saying
good-bye is always difficult, but the artists found a way to make
it memorable. Both Japanese and Americans cooked and baked to
prepare a feast that they shared together.
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