NEWS RELEASE
LONGMONT MUSEUM
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The delicate designs of nine contemporary Japanese artists are on display at the Longmont Museum, but not for much longer. “Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper,” an exhibit showcasing more than 30 expressive sculptures, dramatic installations, and two-dimensional works, is on view through May 15, 2022.
“Washi” is a handmade Japanese paper, produced for more than 1,000 years, used in painting, calligraphy, origami and other traditional art forms. Japanese contemporary artists are now using washi as the basis for their artwork. They take this supple yet sturdy natural fiber and layer, weave, dye, twist, fold and cut it to create works that are unusual in size, unexpected in texture, and do not fit typical expectations of paper art.
In celebration of the exhibit, the Museum will host a closing reception on Friday, May 6. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a free presentation featuring Museum Curator of Exhibitions Jared Thompson and Asian art specialist Claire Cuccio, Ph.D. After spending 20 years in Asia studying art, material, culture, printing, paper making and more, Cuccio will share her expertise on washi, placing it in the larger context of Japanese handcrafts.
A closing reception will immediately follow from 6 – 8 p.m., May 6, featuring Asian-inspired light appetizers, traditional Japanese koto music, a chance to see the exhibit, and a cash bar. Admission to the reception is $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for Longmont Museum members or children age 3 or younger.
Learn more about the exhibit at longmontmuseum.org.
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