New Michener Exhibit Spotlights "Modern Japanese Print In America"

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The James A. Michener Art Museum delves into its collection to present works rarely seen by the public in its newest exhibit, "Mid-Century to Manga: The Modern Japanese Print in America," on view through July 30.

"Mid-Century to Manga" celebrates the historical and continued local interest in Japanese and Japanese American printmaking and illustration. The exhibition traces the story of the modern
sōsaku-hanga (or “creative prints”) movement and other creative collectibles across the past century–from Japan to the United States and beyond.

The central feature of the exhibition is the display of three rarely seen original copies of James Michener’s 1962 book, "The Modern Japanese Print: An Appreciation." This very large folio (each is approximately two-feet tall and three-feet wide when opened) contains signed original woodblock prints by modern Japanese printmakers Hiratsuka Un’Ichi, Maekawa Sempan, Mori Yoshitoshi, Watanabe Sadao, Kinoshita Tomio, Shima Tamami, Azechi Umetaro, Iwami Reika, Yoshida Masaji, and Maki Haku.

The exhibition features 75 prints on paper, over two dozen of which have never been on display at the Michener Art Museum before (such as Kiyoshi Saitō’s Winter in Aizu series).

“We are very excited to be displaying works from our collection which are so rarely shared with the public,” says Director of Exhibitions, Joshua Lessard. “This show highlights many incredible and exciting stories of cultural exchange and continuity, from the early Showa Era through to contemporary artists making prints today.”

To engage audiences of all ages, the museum will offer a range of programs, including a manga workshop for teens, an International Family Day celebration, floral design and Japanese printmaking workshops.

For this project, the Michener Art Museum is engaging regional partners at the University of Pennsylvania to provide specific content-area expertise, with curation by the History of Art Department Chair, Julie Nelson Davis, and support from curatorial fellows Marina De Melo Do Nascimento, Maria Puzyreva, and Nicholas M Purgett.

Mid-Century to Manga: The Modern Japanese Print in America has been generously supported by the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program and the Michener Art Museum’s 35th Anniversary Initiative.

Upcoming Event

• In conjunction with the exhibit, the museum invites families to take part in an "Unplugged Family Day - Make and Take Sunday" on March 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Inspired by the special exhibition, "Mid-Century to Manga: The Japanese Print in America," families are invited to make a miniature version of a koinobori, or colorful flying carp windsock. Koinobori are traditionally flown above family homes to celebrate Children’s Day in Japan. No registration is required. Come to create anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. Admission is free with admission. (Space may be limited.) The event is generously sponsored by the Leff Family Foundation

The James A. Michener Art Museum is located at 138 S. Pine Street in Doylestown 18901. For information, call 215-340-9800 or visit info@michenerartmuseum.org. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $8 for college students, $5 for ages 6 to 18 and free to members and children under age six.

The James A. Michener Art Museum collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits American art and promotes the Delaware Valley’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. The museum presents exhibitions that explore a variety of artistic expressions and offers diverse educational programs that develop a lifelong involvement in the arts.