In Japan: Renowned Ibaraki stone carver Masaji Asaga carrying out artist-in-residence projects at his Rock Museum in Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Iwase Stone Sculpture Exhibition Hall aka Iwase Rock Museum was established by stone carver Masaji Asaga in Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture in 1992.
The museum has been committed to its missions: center of stone culture in Iwase area of Sakuragawa City, famous stone production area; training people with stone-related talent; and promoting stone culture for world peace.
Most of the museum’s collection consists of stone sculptures. The museum’s main activities are artist-in-residence programs and stone sculpture classes for children and the general public.
From Oct. 5 through Nov. 4, 2024, Ivan Stayanov from Bulgaria is residing at the Iwase Rock Museum. His artworks will be exhibited at the Ibaraki Stone Fair held at Obori Park in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture from Nov. 2-4, 2024.
Renowned Ibaraki stone carver Masaji Asaga was awardee of the 2005 Japan Foundation Prize for Global Citizenship.
Since 1994, he has been independently carrying out artist-in-residence projects, every other year inviting a sculptor from countries such as Bulgaria and Zimbabwe to his Rock Museum.
Iwase Stone Sculpture Exhibition Hall is a member of Ibaraki Prefecture Museum Association.