VISUAL ARTS

Curated and organized by Cynthia Hughes and Glenn Szegedy Exhibition Features Displays of Classic Japanese Kimonos, Swords, Embroidery, Netsuke, and Soari Weaving. Time honored traditional Japanese arts arrive in Lowell with a contemporary twist as twelve regional artists share their unique interpretations of the classic Japanese kimono and accoutrements. Event times are as follows: Opening Reception: Saturday, April 10, 2-4 p.m., The Brush will host the opening of Tea, Swords and Stitches. Netsuke Lecture: Saturday, April 24 2-4 p.m., “Now and Then: Similarities and Differences between Today’s Netsuke and Earlier Netsuke” presented by Jeffrey Klotz, Chairman of the New York International Netsuke Iaido Sword Demonstration: Saturday, May 1, 2 p.m., presented by Sensei Alex Markauskas Embroidery and Saori Weaving Demonstrations : Saturday, May 1, 12-4 p.m., presented by the members of the Japanese Embroiderers Guild and Stacey Piwinski Tea Ceremony : Saturday, May 15, 2 p.m., performed by Kaji Aso Studios from Boston. “The kimono, at first glance, appears quite simple in design, but, as with most things Japanese, the simplicity is only on the surface,” says co-curator and contributor Glenn Szegedy. “The exploration of design, construction and style of the kimono and other things Japanese continue to amaze and intrigue.” This fascinating exhibition is free to the general public and will showcase the delicate techniques of silk thread weaving, silk painting, hand painting, quilting and embellishing fabrics. Additionally, scheduled special events include demonstrations in iaido sword use, Japanese embroidery, and saori weaving as well as a lecture on netsuke sculpture. Co-curator Cindy Hughes, who has contributed a piece to the show (shown above), personally selected the individual embroidery pieces from The Merrimack Valley chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America. "This work is so incredible," says Hughes. "I am in awe of the beauty and detail that goes into each piece. These artists have been perfecting this craft for years and it shows." Complementing an exhibition of netsuke, which are small, intricate Japanese sculptures, the Brush is proud to welcome Jeffrey Klotz, president of the New York Chapter of the International Netsuke Society. Klotz will present his lecture on this impressive art form which has simple origins in wardrobe functionality. In conjunction with the display of Japanese swords, iaido sensei Alex Markauskas will demonstrate his mastery of iaido katas, exciting, choreographed swordsmanship. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony rounds out The Brush's exploration of Japanese art, where guests can see the beautiful kimono donned in this classic context. Special thanks to the Lowell Cultural Council for supporting this exhibition and related educational programming. Part of the Brush's Building Community Through Culture Exhibition Series