Eight artists from the Omachi-Miasa area in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, joined by twelve Mendocino Coast artists, are exhibiting their artwork as part of the biennial Mendocino Sister City International Art Exchange Exhibit, July 1 through September 11, at the Mendocino Art Center. Works include woodworking, functional and sculptural ceramics, textiles, paintings, glass works, photography, jewelry, encaustics, basketry, prints and mixed media works. Mendocino Art Center founder Bill Zacha and artist Toshi Yoshida formalized the sister city relationship in 1980. In 1993, Miasa and Mendocino started annual youth exchanges that have continued throughout the years. The Art Exchange Exhibit was inaugurated in 2008 at the Mendocino Art Center, showcasing works by Omachi-Miasa artists, followed by showings in even years through 2018. Mendocino Coast artists have exhibited their work in Omachi, Japan, in odd numbered years, 2009 through 2019. Due to the Covid pandemic, art exchange showings were exhibited online in 2020 and 2021. Second Saturday Gallery Reception: July 9, 4pm-7pm Free admission Mendocino Art Center hosts a free Second Saturday Artists Reception each month. Enjoy snacks and wine, and meet the Mendocino Coast exhibiting artists. Sister City Association President Jim Jackson will give an opening statement, Mike Evans will talk about being one of the founders of the Art Exchange, and Carolyn Zeitler will talk about how the Art Exchange is coordinated between Japan and the Mendocino Coast. The Japanese artists will also give a short welcome via video.
