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ILLUMINATING STRENGTH INSTALLATION
Each of the five scrolls have been designed by one of the Sansei Granddaughters in the style and method of each artist, paying tribute to under-recognized Asian American women, from those in the scientific field to family members whose stories of resilience and accomplishments have not been adequately celebrated. Also honored are the next generation of artists and writers who keep the legacy of the WWII Japanese American incarceration alive through visual art and the power of words. The five scrolls hang majestically from above to create a space of personal offerings.
Each of the five scrolls have been designed by one of the Sansei Granddaughters in the style and method of each artist, paying tribute to under-recognized Asian American women, from those in the scientific field to family members whose stories of resilience and accomplishments have not been adequately celebrated. Also honored are the next generation of artists and writers who keep the legacy of the WWII Japanese American incarceration alive through visual art and the power of words. The five scrolls hang majestically from above to create a space of personal offerings.
Shari Arai DeBoer highlights four dedicated women working in the male-dominated fields of science and mathematics. They are brilliant and dedicated role models who forged opportunities for girls and young women.
Ellen Bepp creates a tribute to her mother Yoshi Higuchi Bepp -- family matriarch, community leader, aspiring writer, and spokesperson of the first co-ed martial arts/kendo team that toured Japan in 1935 and broke barriers into traditionally male-only tournaments.
Reiko Fujii focuses on yonsei (fourth generation) artists who honor the memory and legacy of the Japanese Americans incarcerated in WWII American concentration camps. Art can educate about the histories and traumas of the past and can lead to equitable and humane treatment of all people.
Kathy Fujii-Oka’s work honors her yonsei daughter, Brittany Yumiko Sheade. Embodying jade green, the color of prosperity and wisdom, infused with Samurai blood, and pregnant with new concepts and children. She is an entrepreneur, leading with strength, a calm demeanor, and integrity, Kathy’s child and crown jewel.
Na Omi Shintani selects writer Tamiko Nimura. Her strengths are the power of words and extensive knowledge of Asian American history. Her expertise allows stories to be told and expresses hidden histories to keep legacy alive.
Ellen Bepp creates a tribute to her mother Yoshi Higuchi Bepp -- family matriarch, community leader, aspiring writer, and spokesperson of the first co-ed martial arts/kendo team that toured Japan in 1935 and broke barriers into traditionally male-only tournaments.
Reiko Fujii focuses on yonsei (fourth generation) artists who honor the memory and legacy of the Japanese Americans incarcerated in WWII American concentration camps. Art can educate about the histories and traumas of the past and can lead to equitable and humane treatment of all people.
Kathy Fujii-Oka’s work honors her yonsei daughter, Brittany Yumiko Sheade. Embodying jade green, the color of prosperity and wisdom, infused with Samurai blood, and pregnant with new concepts and children. She is an entrepreneur, leading with strength, a calm demeanor, and integrity, Kathy’s child and crown jewel.
Na Omi Shintani selects writer Tamiko Nimura. Her strengths are the power of words and extensive knowledge of Asian American history. Her expertise allows stories to be told and expresses hidden histories to keep legacy alive.