On Memory Care and Family: I Go Gaga, My Dear

A film screening and talk with director Naoko Nobutomo (online)

Sunday, August 18 Pacific Standard/Monday, August 19 Tokyo

Film Screening: 3 pm — Film Talk: 5 pm PST [Aug 19, 9 am Tokyo]

For those who RSVP’d, here is the: ZOOM LINK

The first theatrical feature I Go Gaga, My Dear by veteran television director Naoko Nobutomo is a personal documentary chronicling the enduring love, resilience and struggles of her nonagenarian parents in Kure, Hiroshima as her mother’s Alzheimer’s-related dementia gradually worsens. With a great abundance of footage taken over several years, Nobutomo interweaves direct documentation with intimate home movies of her parents, including their support during her battle with breast cancer. I Go Gaga, My Dear opened in one small Sapporo cinema and eventually expanded to 70 screens nationwide for over three months. [2019. 102 min. Directed by Naoko Nobutomo.]  Join us for a film screening and a conversation with filmmaker Naoko Nobutomo. 

This film is next for part of the Japanese American Caregiver series, a collaboration with J-Sei, Kimochi, Yu-Ai Kai, with support from the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter. 

RSVP to receive a ZOOM link.

Artist Reception – Saturday, June 15, 1 to 3 pm

J-Sei Gallery, 1285 66h Street, Emeryville

Exhibit Hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri 1 to 5 pm, and by appointment

Visiting J-Sei on a Thursday afternoon, you might happen upon a light-filled room with murmurs of soft conversation and gentle encouragement, amidst the quiet focus of seniors practicing the art of Watercolor Painting with Wendy Yoshimura.   Come witness a varied and expansive breadth of creative works by eighteen artists that express a glimpse of color, light and joy.

I want to teach my students how to enjoy painting. – Wendy Yoshimura

 Wendy sees color and light that are not apparent to us. She sees beauty in things. She helps us to see things in a different light. – Vicky Jennings

Wendy is always encouraging. She shows us how to bring out the best in our work. Wendy can help people who have never painted before to have the confidence to explore.  – Nobuo Nishi

I learn a lot about technique from Wendy, but she also has a very free spirit and an artistic spirit. I learn from her spirit. She lets us fly freely.  – Daisy Tsujimoto

 Featured Artists: Tsutomu Yoshida, Vicky Jennings, Chiharu Nakagawa, Naomi Onaga, Karen Allen, Bill Lee, Connie Chan, Nobuo Nishi, Marla Kamiya, Pat Tong, H. Cathy Crystal, Joyce Kawahata, Bea Dong, Kyoko Ono, Daisy Tsujimoto, Haruko Emoto Fuchs, Yasuko Sugimoto, and Suzanna Leach.

J-Sei Transportation Training Field Trips

Mon, June 17 and/or Fri, June 28

10 am to 3 pm

 BOTANICAL PRINTING ON PAPER

Friday, July 12 or Saturday, July 13, 10 am to 4 pm

Learn to make prints on paper with natures own special botanicals. We will look at how to make papers print what nature can give. You can use the results for cards, origami, books and more.  Delve into the world of botanical printing, using natural leaves, flowers, roots or fruits of naure.  All materials will be provided for the workshop. Instructor Dorothy Yuki, an innovative designer.

Dorothy Yuki studied to be something other than an artist. She began as a fashion designer immediately after college but soon she became a partner of a manufacturing company, In Good Company, and designed kitchen soft goods and linens. She served as a production and design consultant for music production companies and start-ups, She returned to designing linens for Macy’s in the 80’s and lived internationally.in Barcelona Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Montevideo Uruguay and Tequisquiapan Queretaro Mexico.  Now in her 70’s and living in San Francisco, she is engaged in many volunteer activities, Ruth’s Table, Artseed, SCRAP-sf, and FabMo. She also mentored at Bay High School in their Senior Program. She was past President of Friends of Calligraphy and presently a Master Educator for the Macy’s Fashion Incubator San Francisco. She still has the time to do ‘art’ and has worked on projects for MMOCA, Flax Art and Design and Kalligraphia.

This workshop has been generously sponsored by Steve Ichinaga.  Discounted Workshop Fee: $50  Space is limited.  RSVP by June 28th and indicate your preferred date.  A list of dried and fresh plants that you can bring with you will be provided after you sign up.

Sashiko Project Workshop

Saturday, August 10 and 24, 9 am to 12 noon

New class added: Saurday, August 10 & 24, 1 pm to 4 pm

Learn how to draft a Sashiko design, transfer the design to your fabric, and stich your design. Beginners and experienced stitchers are welcome. Choose your own project such as napkins, hashi (chopstick) holder, small bag, Taiko Bachi bag, or add a design to a cotton garment.  A supply list will be provided upon sign up.  Join this 2 class session.  Workshop Fee: $40

By popular demand, a second class was added on the same dates — 1 pm to 4 pm.

Instructor Carolyn Hayashida has been designing clothing, wall hangings, and quilts for over 40 years. She enjoys golf, taiko, and inspiring others with sewing projects and Sashiko designs.

RSVP to jill@j-sei.org