Current Exhibitions

September 7 – December 31, 2023

Part of the Lasting Legacy Series

The Japanese American Museum of Oregon presents a survey of work by influential Seattle artist George Tsutakawa (1910-1997), who was inspired by his life in the Pacific Northwest and his Japanese heritage.

Born in Seattle and educated in Japan, his work reveals a fascination with the natural forms and aesthetics that he encountered in both environments. His public art works, including his signature fountains, can be seen in cities across the U.S., Canada, and Japan. For local audiences, these most famously include the Fountain of Wisdom at the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library, the Memorial Gates at Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum, and the now-removed fountain at Portland’s Lloyd Center Mall. 

Representing his prolific career across a variety of media, including watercolor, sumi, sculpture, and fountain design, this will be the first Oregon exhibition of his work. 

George Tsutakawa, Votive Sculpture No. 1, 1977. Courtesy of the Tsutakawa Family Collection.

Friends of JAMO Exclusive:
Thursday, September 7
5:30-6:30 pm: Exhibition Opening at JAMO
6:30-7:30pm: Reception at Lan Su Chinese Garden
Registration for this event is required. RSVP here.

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A Sense of Place: The Art Legacy of George Tsutakawa
Lecture by Mayumi Tsutakawa, arts writer and daughter of the artist 
Saturday, October 28
2pm, location TBA
More info coming soon

Homepage banner image credit: Photo of George Tsutakawa at his home studio taken by Paul Macapia, 1989. Courtesy of the Tsutakawa Family.