ART NEWS 2023
Dear Friends, thank you for visiting my website! I do my best to keep it updated, so please keep checking back periodically for any updates for new exhibits or creative projects.
With my furbabies, Romeo and Sugar Plum April 23, 2025
Upcoming Events 2025
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Suspended in Time, Mixed Media: Oil, Collage, Oil Pencil, Graphite, Ink, Washi, Origami, 18K Gold Leaf on Birch, 2025
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When I think of our government and all the turmoil in these precarious times, I turn inward to take refuge in my mind, somewhere meditative and peaceful. I seek out my family of women to feel safe in a place that is away from intrusion, invasion, and violence. I am “Suspended in Time”. As a Japanese American woman and artist, I draw upon my culture to assist me. My ancestors call on me to create a narrative scene of ancient feudal Japan when the men and husbands were away fighting the war, and the women were left to fend and care for themselves on the home front. Samurai men were prominent from the late 1100s until the late 1800s, however female warriors and samurai women, also existed in Japan. Trained from youth in martial arts to combat and protect their family and home front, and for others, the battlefield. |
"Art in A Changing World"
Belvedare Tiburon Library through November 19th, 2024
Dear Friends, I hope you can join us at the Belvedere Tiburon Library for the group exhibition, Art in a Changing World! The opening reception is this Thursday, September 19th from 6-8pm! The exhibit runs through November 19, 2024. I am exhibiting my piece, "The Golden Crane".
The Golden Crane 2019, Grandpa (Fred Kakichi Fujii) at Gila River Camp tending to the gardens. I felt the devastation and pain on my grandfather’s face as I worked on my captivity piece. The somber downward gaze of loss and loneliness without his wife and children, as he gardened at Gila River Concentration Camp. In his hand, he sows the seeds of hope as the golden crane swoops in to soothe his spirit, symbolizing hope, peace, compassion, and healing. Mixed Media on Wood, Acrylic, Graphite, Barbed Wire, Origami Paper, 18k Gold Leaf, 24" x 36"
Belvedere Tiburon Library, 1501 Tiiburon Blvd., Tiburon, CA
The Golden Crane 2019, Grandpa (Fred Kakichi Fujii) at Gila River Camp tending to the gardens. I felt the devastation and pain on my grandfather’s face as I worked on my captivity piece. The somber downward gaze of loss and loneliness without his wife and children, as he gardened at Gila River Concentration Camp. In his hand, he sows the seeds of hope as the golden crane swoops in to soothe his spirit, symbolizing hope, peace, compassion, and healing. Mixed Media on Wood, Acrylic, Graphite, Barbed Wire, Origami Paper, 18k Gold Leaf, 24" x 36"
Belvedere Tiburon Library, 1501 Tiiburon Blvd., Tiburon, CA
Tule Lake Pilgrimage July 5 - 7, 2025
We were honored to attend the Tule Lake Pilgrimage in July! In anticipation to our trip and performances, we (The Sansei Granddaughters) made a Shiminawa rope that included tags of the 333 Souls who lost their lives while incarcerated at the camp. Our procession ritual included many volunteers from the pilgrimage. Additionally, we performed our obon dance honoring our ancestors and directed by Ellen Bepp, at Klamath Falls theater. With Ellen Bepp, Reiko Fujii, Shari DeBoer, Na Omi Shintani, and myself.
The De Young Museum
from September 30th, 2023 - January 7th, 2024
My Garden, "Madame Butterfly", 20" x 20", Oil Pastel, 18k Gold Leaf over Silver Metallic Museum Quality Print
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SOLD!
I was so honored to meet my new Collectors.
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The DeYoung Open 2023
The De Young Open 2023 exhibition is up until January 7th, 2024
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA
(click on the link below to reserve your free timed ticket)
https://www.famsf.org/events/opening-day-celebration-de-young-open
“120 Years of Advocacy”
California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee’s (CNA/NNOC) 2023 convention
at the Moscone Center October 4th to 12th
"Brittany Yumiko"
My work honors my Yonsei daughter. Embodying focus and strength and wearing jade green, the color of prosperity and wisdom. Brittany’s lineage is infused with Samurai blood, and she is pregnant with new concepts and children. Her spirit empowers the samurai warrior within her, she stands grounded and alluring. The Lady Boss, a successful entrepreneur who leads with attention to detail and a composed demeanor.
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A Haiku Poem I wrote for my daughter:
Brittany Yumiko Daughter, wife, mother, best friend My heart, crown jewel Athletic in youth Fearless point guard and soccer Intelligent girl Decisive and calm Activist and warrior Entrepreneur Total confidence Quiet strength, integrity My child, my treasure |
I am pleased to announce that seven of my works were licensed by the Grand Teton Music Festival for Puccini's Madame Butterfly Opera on August 18th and 19th, 2023, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
My images, along with the renowned 20th-century masterworks of Chiura Obata.
Prints of selected images are available for purchase in my SHOP.
I was pleased to attend the Madame Butterfly Opera in Grand Teton Village, Jackson Hole, Wyoming!
Madam Butterfly Collection @ SFWA Gallery
Madam Butterfly Collection from August 1st - 25th!
Reception: Saturday, August 5th from 2-4pm
SFWA Gallery, 647 Iving St. @ 8th, San Francisco, CA
Open daily from 10:30-5:30pm, closed Sunday and Monday
Reception: Saturday, August 5th from 2-4pm
SFWA Gallery, 647 Iving St. @ 8th, San Francisco, CA
Open daily from 10:30-5:30pm, closed Sunday and Monday
Reticence, 20" x 20", Origami, 18k Gold Leaf, Print on Metallic Hahnemuhle paper
Open Circle @ Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery in San Ramon
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On Exhibit until October, 28th, 2022 Reception: Saturday, September 10th from 3:30 to 6pm "Open Circle", at Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery in San Ramon 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, CA 94583 We look forward to seeing you at, "Open Circle"! An Exhibition Dedicated to Belonging, Self, and Community Care. Curator, Pallavi Sharma! Exhibition Dates: September 5th- October 28th, 2022 Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm My six pieces shown below from the Accident series and Chakra series. |
Flowering Cherry Blossom Workshop with facilitator, Kathy Fujii-Oka
My Cherry Blossom Installation, "Altar of Solidarity" Photographer: Bob Hsiang 2022
Flowering Cherry Blossom Workshop
"Honoring Your Loved Ones"
Kathy Fujii-Oka will present her Flowering Cherry Blossom Installation (in the exhibition) and share how it relates to her family, their nursery, and the incarceration. After the workshop, Fujii-Oka will lead a Gallery Tour from 3:30 - 4pm. Both events are Free Admission, come to one or both!
Registration Required: www.eventbrite.com/354955891627
at AZ Gallery at the Shops at Tanforan
1150 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA
Learn how to create your own 3 dimensional Cherry Blossom textile flower. Using decorative fabrics and trims, with personal photos, students will learn how to make their own beautiful flower for someone they dearly love. At the end of the class,
the students will share their flower and story behind it.
Please bring 2 photos no larger than 5" x 5" , a headshot of yourself, a loved one, or your pet that you would like to honor.
"Honoring Your Loved Ones"
Kathy Fujii-Oka will present her Flowering Cherry Blossom Installation (in the exhibition) and share how it relates to her family, their nursery, and the incarceration. After the workshop, Fujii-Oka will lead a Gallery Tour from 3:30 - 4pm. Both events are Free Admission, come to one or both!
Registration Required: www.eventbrite.com/354955891627
at AZ Gallery at the Shops at Tanforan
1150 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA
Learn how to create your own 3 dimensional Cherry Blossom textile flower. Using decorative fabrics and trims, with personal photos, students will learn how to make their own beautiful flower for someone they dearly love. At the end of the class,
the students will share their flower and story behind it.
Please bring 2 photos no larger than 5" x 5" , a headshot of yourself, a loved one, or your pet that you would like to honor.
 Sansei Granddaughters:
NaOmi Judy Shintani, Kathy Fujii-Oka, Reiko Fujii, Ellen Bepp, and Shari Arai Deboer
Photographer:
Bob Hsiang 2022
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Sansei Granddaughters’ Journey - From Remembrance to Resistance is an art exhibition featuring the work of five noted third generation (sansei) Japanese American artists who have dedicated their wide-ranging art careers to honor the legacy of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII.
www.sanseigranddaughters.com AZ Gallery 1150 El Camino Real, Suite 254 Shops at Tanforan, San Bruno, CA Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 11-4pm Saturday: 11-6pm Sunday: 11-5pm Programming: August 13th, Saturday from 12pm - 30 Minute Gallery Tour with Artist, Reiko Fujii August 13th - Topaz Stories from 1 - 2:30pm. Preserving stories of the Japanese American Incarceration August 14th, Sunday from 1-2pm - Sansei Granddaughters' Journey Film Screening and Artist Conversation August 21st, Flowering Cherry Blossom Workshop, Facilitator, Kathy Fujii-Oka See more upcoming events and sign up to register @ www.eventbrite.com/o/sansei-granddaughters-journey-48100934983 |
Virtual Gallery @ AZ Gallery
Sansei Granddaughters' Journey - From Remembrance to Resistance
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My Fantasia
60" x 48"
Acrylic, Textiles on Canvas
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I hope you will join us on June 4th at SFWA Gallery, reception from 2-4pm. Five of my paintings will be on exhibit and for sale in the Artist's Salon
Reception: June 4th, 2-4pm 647 Irving St. @ 8th, San Francisco San Francisco Women Artists Gallery (SFWA) Gallery |
"Dollhouse" Exhibition and Reception at Arc Gallery - January 15th through February 19th, 2022
Dear Friends,
Please visit Arc Gallery with social distancing to see the “DOLLHOUSE: Art as Serious Play” Bay Area Exhibition - open with social-distancing 1-6PM on Wednesdays & Thursdays and 12-3PM on Saturdays thru February 19th
CURATORS: Priscilla Otani and Tanya Wilkinson
EVENT MANAGER: Laura Abrams
https://www.arc-sf.com/dollhouse-2022.html
"DOLLHOUSE" Reception. I am honored to be one of the participating artists!
View the “Dollhouse: Art as Serious Play” Conversations with Artists via YouTube at: https://youtu.be/eW1PuNcCVO0
DOLLHOUSE Reception @ ARC Gallery
Saturday, January 15th from 6-9Pm
1246 Folsom St., San Francisco
Within the bounds of an imaginary dollhouse, this exhibition showcases art that uses the tropes of playtime - storybooks, toys, dolls, games, dress-up, imaginary friends, and secret spaces - to explore the serious and playful nature of art-making. The works compel the viewer to recall the joys of make-believe and to appreciate the unique interpretation of “play” that each artist brings to the dollhouse.
Please visit Arc Gallery with social distancing to see the “DOLLHOUSE: Art as Serious Play” Bay Area Exhibition - open with social-distancing 1-6PM on Wednesdays & Thursdays and 12-3PM on Saturdays thru February 19th
CURATORS: Priscilla Otani and Tanya Wilkinson
EVENT MANAGER: Laura Abrams
https://www.arc-sf.com/dollhouse-2022.html
"DOLLHOUSE" Reception. I am honored to be one of the participating artists!
View the “Dollhouse: Art as Serious Play” Conversations with Artists via YouTube at: https://youtu.be/eW1PuNcCVO0
DOLLHOUSE Reception @ ARC Gallery
Saturday, January 15th from 6-9Pm
1246 Folsom St., San Francisco
Within the bounds of an imaginary dollhouse, this exhibition showcases art that uses the tropes of playtime - storybooks, toys, dolls, games, dress-up, imaginary friends, and secret spaces - to explore the serious and playful nature of art-making. The works compel the viewer to recall the joys of make-believe and to appreciate the unique interpretation of “play” that each artist brings to the dollhouse.
I Broke My Foot, 36" x 24", Oil on Wood
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It's Raining, 16" x 21", Mixed Media on Moab Paper
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Please join us at the San Francisco Woman Artist's Gallery!
"Abstract World"!
I am pleased to announce that my painting, "Silent Storm" will be on exhibit, along with many more amazing artists and their art for the month of September! I hope to see you there! SFWA Gallery, 647 Irving @ 8th, SF
"Abstract World",
Reception, September 4th from 2-4pm
August 31st through September 24th, 2021
"Abstract World",
Reception, September 4th from 2-4pm
August 31st through September 24th, 2021
"Scapes - City, Land and Sea" at SFWA Gallery
I am pleased to be exhibiting in this group show beginning, April 6th, 2021
SFWA Gallery, 647 Irving St. @ 8th, San Francisco
Exhibition: April 6 - 30, 2021
Open to viewing in person at the gallery or online. sfwomenartists.org
SFWA Gallery, 647 Irving St. @ 8th, San Francisco
Exhibition: April 6 - 30, 2021
Open to viewing in person at the gallery or online. sfwomenartists.org
Nicholl Park, 36"x36", Acrylic, Pastel on Canvas
Sparcx at Arc Gallery in April
I am delighted to be included in this exhibit at Arc Gallery celebrating their 10 year Anniversary. A celebration and reunion of present and past studio artists, exhibiting together again.
I will be exhibiting my "Silent Storm" series.
Arc Gallery, 1246 Folsom St, San Francisco 94103
Exhibition: April 10 - May 8, 2021, Open to viewing in person or online. https://www.arc-sf.com/sparcx.html
On-line Sparcx Opening Tour via Zoom, Saturday, April 10th, 7-9pm, Zoom Artist Talk, April 14th & 21st
Silent Storm
60" x 60"
Blossoms
10" x 10"
"Silent Storm" series
One large painting measuring 60"x36" and five smaller works measuring 10" x 10", Acrylic and Sumi Ink on Canvas.
One large painting measuring 60"x36" and five smaller works measuring 10" x 10", Acrylic and Sumi Ink on Canvas.
Rally at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown, San Francisco
March 20, 2021
I attended this rally last Saturday. With all the Asian American Hate crimes that have taken place over the years, the recent beatings of our Asian American elders in SF and killings of the past week in Atlanta, we came together to unite and express our grief and anger. Standing in Solidarity at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown, SF.
Artists of all ages attended, painting and expressing through their hurt hearts as well as activists speaking out and holding handmade posters. It was great to see a handful of friends and to attend the rally in support of Asian communities. Pictured below are a few friends, Lenore, Loras and Baby.
I attended this rally last Saturday. With all the Asian American Hate crimes that have taken place over the years, the recent beatings of our Asian American elders in SF and killings of the past week in Atlanta, we came together to unite and express our grief and anger. Standing in Solidarity at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown, SF.
Artists of all ages attended, painting and expressing through their hurt hearts as well as activists speaking out and holding handmade posters. It was great to see a handful of friends and to attend the rally in support of Asian communities. Pictured below are a few friends, Lenore, Loras and Baby.
Update: December 13th, 2020
Hello everyone! I hope you are doing okay, staying safe and continue to shelter. My heart goes out to those who have family or friends who have been exposed to Covid and to those who have lost loved ones... sending lots of love and healing.
This month I am focusing on making card making. Origami papers, acrylic, 22 ct. Gold Leaf
Handmade Cards
"Combat"
My first Covid painting, April, 2020
Masks and more masks! 2020
When SIP first began in March, I decided to volunteer to make hand sewn masks. My first donation went to a Senior elder care center in San Leandro. Then I made masks for my family and to their employees at the family business. I enjoyed making them so much that I continued to make more masks for some of my special friends as well.
Manzanar Pilgrimage 2018
In 2018, I embarked on a Pilgrimage to Manzanar with my Sansei Sisters, Ellen Bepp, Reiko Fujii, Naomi Judy Shintani and Sherry Arai Deboer. We each shared our identities of being a third generation, Japanese American, and our families had endured the hardship of being imprisoned in concentration camps during WWll. This endeavor, opened the doors to a deeper understanding of our family history and the history of the unjust incarceration experienced by many. Additionally, we each created new artwork, performed spiritual rituals together and developed a closer relationship with one another.
A big thank you to Reiko Fujii, for the documentation and filming of our journey, to Pat Mayo, our videographer and Kallan Nishimoto, our editor and music composer. The film documentary, "Sansei Granddaughter's Journey," will be shown in it's entirety at the Silicon Valley Film Festival in October, 2020.
A big thank you to Reiko Fujii, for the documentation and filming of our journey, to Pat Mayo, our videographer and Kallan Nishimoto, our editor and music composer. The film documentary, "Sansei Granddaughter's Journey," will be shown in it's entirety at the Silicon Valley Film Festival in October, 2020.
Rosenblum Cellars at Jack London Square
Dear friends, please join me for an elegant afternoon of Art and wine at Rosenblum Cellars in Jack London Square on Saturday, September 16th. I will be exhibiting paintings from my Peacock series, depicting my childhood memories and my favorite bird, the enchanting and mysterious peacock. The exhibit runs through the month of September. I hope to see you there! www.kathyfujiioka.com
Rosenblum Cellars @ Jack London Square, 10 Clay Street, Oakland, CA / Curator: Shannon Holbrook www.rosenblumcellars.com
Reception: Saturday, September 16th from 3-5pm / Exhibit runs from September 2nd - 30th
Rosenblum Cellars @ Jack London Square, 10 Clay Street, Oakland, CA / Curator: Shannon Holbrook www.rosenblumcellars.com
Reception: Saturday, September 16th from 3-5pm / Exhibit runs from September 2nd - 30th
"Birds of a Feather", 36" x 48"
Making the Cut
We hope you will join us at Arc Gallery for "Making the Cut" Collage-a-Rama 2017 Bay Area Exhibition opening reception on Saturday, June 17th 7-9PM in the Project Gallery at Arc. ! http://www.arc-sf.com/making-the-cut-collage-a-rama.html
1246 Folsom St. (btw 9th & 8th) San Francisco.
1246 Folsom St. (btw 9th & 8th) San Francisco.
Please join us for Artspan's SF Open Studios at Arc Gallery & Studios
(Oct. 21st through Oct. 23rd) 2016
Arc Gallery, 1246 Folsom St. (btw 9th & 8th), SF
Preview Reception: Friday, October 21st, 6-9PM. /. Open Studios: October 22nd & 23rd, 11AM to 6PM
I will be featuring my portrait series and also some new work from my Interiorscape series. Come by and visit our studios, meet the artists and tour other SOMA studios! I will be upstairs in studio #204 at Arc.
- Arc Studio Artists: Kathy Fujii-Oka, Dianne Hoffman, Peter Howells, Soad Kader, Bonnie Levinson, Sasha Merritt, Priscilla Otani, William Salit, Debra Cook Shapiro, Tracy Starr, Denise Tarantino, Samanta Tello, and Stephen C. Wagner
- Guest Artists: Carrington Arredondo, Johnny Botts, Jeanne Hauser, Mike Kimball, Barbara Kleinhans, John Kraft, Erin Malone, Alan Mazzetti, Michele de la Menardiere, Sean O'Donnell, Ken Sloan, and Tanya Wilkinson
ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios in SOMA provides the public with an opportunity to see artists in their workspaces - Art lovers are invited to meet the artists and build their art collections. Join us in the bright and sunny South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood to view a multitude of artists in their workspaces, all within walking distance.
I will be featuring my portrait series and also some new work from my Interiorscape series. Come by and visit our studios, meet the artists and tour other SOMA studios! I will be upstairs in studio #204 at Arc.
- Arc Studio Artists: Kathy Fujii-Oka, Dianne Hoffman, Peter Howells, Soad Kader, Bonnie Levinson, Sasha Merritt, Priscilla Otani, William Salit, Debra Cook Shapiro, Tracy Starr, Denise Tarantino, Samanta Tello, and Stephen C. Wagner
- Guest Artists: Carrington Arredondo, Johnny Botts, Jeanne Hauser, Mike Kimball, Barbara Kleinhans, John Kraft, Erin Malone, Alan Mazzetti, Michele de la Menardiere, Sean O'Donnell, Ken Sloan, and Tanya Wilkinson
ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios in SOMA provides the public with an opportunity to see artists in their workspaces - Art lovers are invited to meet the artists and build their art collections. Join us in the bright and sunny South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood to view a multitude of artists in their workspaces, all within walking distance.
"My Kanai", 48"x24", Oil on Birch Wood
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"Brittany Yumiko" #2, 72"x24", Acrylic on Birch Wood
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Harrington Gallery
Transformation: 25 Years of Asian American Women Artists exhibition
Harrington Gallery, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton
Reception: Sat., July 30, 1-3pm
July 28th to Sept. 3rd
Santa Cruz Museum of Art
See my work in December at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art
December 2015
I am pleased to announce that I will be in a group show at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History in December. The show is titled, “Everybody’s Ocean”. Curator: Justin Hoover
I will be exhibiting a piece from an earlier period. I selected a painting, titled, “Journey”, a large painting from my” Oceanscape” series.
Opening Reception, Friday Dec. 19th.
Everybody’s Ocean a visual art exhibition presenting stories about the sea.
"Journey" (3 Panels)
5 ft. x 9 ft.
Acryic, Shells, Sand on canvas
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