Silken Splendors Wake Up Cantonites
Behold the Bevy of Kimono Arts Treasures in Stark County

When Joy and Jack Timken journeyed to the foot of Mt. Fuji, no one imagined that their awe of the silken splendor of Itchiku Kubota's life work would bring the world renowned artist's eclectic, shimmering collection to the Canton Museum of Art. One of only two museums in the country to stage the exhibition, the delicate beauty of Itchiku Kubota's elegant kimonos will grace the halls of the Canton Museum of Art, until late April.

The diligent work of over 100 volunteers, the support of 30 companies, two years and one million dollars brought the Symphony of Light to Ohio. The exhibition includes 40 works of art, showcasing the Symphony of Light, the Mount Fuji Series, as well as other individual pieces. So soft and tranquil in their beauty, the three examples on display from the Mount Fuji Series', are often compared to the impressionist artist Monet's Water Lilies'' series.

Kubota’s deep sense of Japanese spirituality and love of nature is entwined with his desire to modernize the Kimono and retain its gentle beauty into today’s world. Employing centuries old techniques, many of which remain secret, he set out to achieve a sense of drama and movement in his artwork. The kimonos have become Kubota’s canvas creating masterpieces through the use of complex layers of dyes, embroidery, and inks, silk and acrylic threads. Blending traditional Japanese techniques with the abstract, the landscapes of the textiles come to life with sweeping colors, and quiet beauty.

While visiting the Tokyo National Museum at the age of 20, Kubota became transfixed with the beauty of a 350 year old silk weaving. The textile was a sample of an ancient, rare dyeing process called Tsujigahana. Lost over the centuries, Kubota longed to explore this lost art and master its exquisite beauty.

Unfortunately, the realities of war swept into Kubota’s life with the commencement of World War II. Captured by the Russians and held captive in Siberia deepened his conviction to pursue his lost fascination and bring a delicate sense of color light and allure to his work by emulating the remnant of cloth he had admired years before.

It was not until the age of 60 in 1977 that Kubota had refined his own techniques and collection to first exhibit his work in Tokyo. Since that time, he has won international accolades for his unique, distinctive, and labor-intensive artistic style.

Kubota continued to work on his final collection until his death in April 2003. Thirty of the originally planned 75-piece work of the four seasons Symphony of Light, will be on display until April 26th.

The Canton Museum of Art and many arts organizations have designed a celebration of events surrounding the Itchiku Kabota Kimono As Art exhibition:

Japanese Tea Ceremonies: A replica of a Japanese Teahouse has been constructed inside the Canton Museum of Art. Participants of the traditional tea ceremony will take home a ceramic tea bowl made by a member of the Ceramic Artist’s Guild. March 21, 22; April 11, 12, 25.

Japanese Cooking Classes: Fisher Foods' Loretta Paganini Cooking School in North Canton will hold classes exploring Japanese cooking methods and specialty dishes. Details here

ArtsInStark: 12 weekends of Japanese inspired performers, artisans, entertainers, visual artists, displays and hands on activities Ikabana, Bonsai at The Cultural Center. Including musical performances, calligraphy, embroidery, painting, origami and kite making will free. http://www.ArtsInStark.com.

Canton Symphony: Madame Butterfly, a fully costumed production of Puccini’s famous opera... one well worth attending.http://www.cantonsymphony.org/visit/canton-symphony-office.

Canton Ballet: Spring concert features Japanese Dances and Whispering Winds a special work by acclaimed New York City Japanese choreographer Saeko Ichinohe. http://www.CantonBallet.com.

Casting a magical spell of color and texture into the gray days of winter in northern Ohio, Kubota’s landscapes weave the expertise of a lifetime into sparkling, silken treasures and a breathe of early spring. For updated information times and programs related to the Kubota exhibition visit the museum website: http://www.CantonArt.org.

After your tour of the Kubota exhibition for a cultural shift, you may want to travel just around the corner from The Canton Museum of Art to a Canton landmark famous for its great Middle Eastern food and entertainment, The Desert Inn. Chef Eddie and Chef Markos have been a fixture at the restaurant for 12 years serving up sumptuous family style dinners of kabobs (their specialty) along side Grecian salads, broasted potatoes, rice pilaf and garlic toasts.

An delicate, flavorful array of appetizer selections are also available. On Friday nights, The Desert Inn entertainment is a very traditional -- she's a tasteful belly-dancer named Sharena. You can gather more information at The Desert Inn at their website http://www.desertinn.biz.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Deb Dockery dddockeryATaol.com
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