Thursday MSU Humanities Event Features Laura Knoppers

Nachi-taisha Shrine and Nachi no Otaki Fall in Wakayama
Photo by: Kazuyoshi Miyoshi.
(Courtesy of The Japan Foundation)

STARKVILLE, Miss. (Press Release) — A collection of scenic images produced by a renowned Japanese photographer are being featured through Nov. 11 at Mississippi State University’s Colvard Student Union.

Free and open to the public, the “Japan World Heritage Photo Exhibition” in the second-floor art gallery features more than 20 stunning images from “World Heritage Sites of Japan,” Kazuyoshi Miyoshi’s 540-piece collection.

Maintained by the New York-based Japan Foundation, the photo panels of various monuments and cultural sites have been displayed in classrooms and exhibitions at cultural and educational institutions throughout the United States.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 10, a free, public reception will celebrate the exhibit. At 6 p.m., a cultural celebration at the location will get under way, featuring kimono attire and a Japanese tea ceremony. Additional refreshments will be available.

Established in 1972, the Japan Foundation works to promote international cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the island nation and other countries around the world. Bringing Japanese arts and culture to areas with little previous exposure to Japan are among its primary missions. For more, visit www.jfny.org/arts_and_culture/worldheritage.html.

In addition to the College of Architecture, Art and Design’s art department, Japan Outreach Program, School of Human Sciences, and department of classical and modern languages and literatures, the MSU exhibit and related events are being made possible through a Japan Foundation grant.

“The photo exhibition and cultural demonstration will give students and members of the local community a great opportunity to experience and find inspiration in Japanese art and culture,” said assistant professor JuYoung Lee, a School of Human Sciences faculty member who directs MSU’s Japan Outreach Program.

In expressing appreciation for assistance in promoting the exhibit and related cultural events, Lee gave particular recognition to campus colleagues Lori Neuenfeldt, MSU gallery and outreach programs coordinator; Jacob A. Gines, assistant professor of architecture; Marita Gootee, professor and photography emphasis coordinator; and Chitose Iida Little, Japanese language instructor.

Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, the Colvard art gallery is one of several art department venues that regularly feature traveling exhibits, student shows and exhibitions by professional artists.

For more information on the Japanese photo exhibit, contact Neuenfeldt at 662-325-2973 or lneuenfeldt@caad.msstate.edu; or Lee at 662-325-7696 or jlee@humansci.msstate.edu.

Visit www.caad.msstate.edu to learn more about the College of Architecture, Art and Design and art department.

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