2014 / Bonsai Fest to feature Japanese programs at Bowers Museum, Sept 23-28

Dubbed as “Bonsai Fest,” Bowers Museum in Santa Ana presents Japanese cultural programs to coincide with the annual bonsai display by Kofu Bonsai Kai in Orange County.

The Bonsai Tradition: Cultural Arts of Japan / Bowers Museum in Santa Ana

Sept. 23 through Sept. 28, 10 am – 4 pm, at John M. Lee Court

Celebrating the traditions and cultural arts of Japan, Bowers Museum presents annual bonsai and viewing stone display in partnership with Kofu Bonsai Kai. The harmonious display consists of 28 trees selected from private collections who are devotees to the living, natural art form of bonsai. The Viewing Stones, or ‘found art,’ are collected from areas in California, various parts of the U. S. and Asia.

The artists, all members from Kofu Bonsai Kai, will be available each day to answer questions and to help viewers understand the beauty and simplicity of this exquisite and inspiring art form. Sponsored by The James Irvine Foundation and the Medellas Foundation. Free to members. Free with paid admission.

Sake, Sushi, & Cinema    Sept. 26 (Fri) 5 pm – 7:30 pm

Film & Discussion: TENSHIN (2013, 120 min, Japanese with English subtitles)   Sept. 26 (Fri), 7:30 pm – 10 pm

Tenshin Okakura published “The Book of Tea” in English and introduced Japanese and other East Asian cultures and art to westerners. He was born in 1863, and passed in 1913. One hundred years after the death of Okakura, director Katsuya Matsumura pays tributes to this legendary artist considered the “father” of Japanese modern art.

Film TENSHIN follows the great Tenshin Okakura as he establishes himself as trailblazer in the art world who ultimately leads to the development of modern Japanese art in the Meiji ear. Mr. Matsumura will be a guest speaker in the program.

Lecture and Book Signing / Ancient Art of Stone Appreciation: From China to Present Day North America  Sept. 27 (Sat), 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm at Norma Kershaw Auditorium.  Dr. Thomas Elias will be the speaker.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony  Sept. 28 (Sun) 1 pm – 2 pm at Ancient Arts of China Gallery. Presented by Soko Kodaka. Limited seating. Free.

Lecture / Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture  Sept. 28 (Sun), 2 pm – 3 pm at Norma Kershaw Auditorium. Dr. Kendall H. Brown, Professor of Asian Art History, California State University Long Beach, will be the speaker.

For more information about all programs, go to www.bowers.org