Art
Evanston Art Center receives bequest from tiny donor with a big heart – Evanston RoundTable
Sueko Kawamura, a former student who inspired many with her artwork and work ethic, bequeathed $100,000 to the Evanston Art Center. The Center announced the gift at a memorial service on Jan. 15, with an accompanying exhibition of Kawamura’s work. Kawamura died in Feb. 2021 at the age of 98.
“In honor of Sueko’s gift, the Evanston Art Center is naming their second floor gallery the Sueko Kawamura Gallery,” said Paula Danoff, president and CEO of the Evanston Art Center. “Everyone visiting the gallery will be able to see a beautiful plaque installed in the memory of the donor and will know of Sueko’s generosity.”
“Although only 4’9” tall, Sueko was big in talent and in life force, often laughing at the idea of Japanese women being compliant,” wrote her friend, fellow sculptor Mike Dillon, in a beautiful memorial booklet he created. The book included photographs of her from many stages and events in her life and remembrances of several friends from her classes.
Kawamura was a woman of ability and of great dedication to her art. She was born into a Japanese samurai family in 1923 in China, as her father was there on a diplomatic mission for the Japanese government. Growing up in the years before and during World War II taught her flexibility, resilience and a wider perception, she is quoted as saying in the memorial book. “I was lucky that during the war, I was young and strong. Believe me, I understood American soldiers suffered as did the Japanese. I’m the lucky one, never surrounded by ‘foreigners’ since my childhood. I never developed prejudices against nationalities, ethnic groups or persons of color.”
At the age of 36, eschewing traditional Japanese dress and refusing the concept of an arranged marriage, Kawamura came to the United States and entered the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There she studied painting with a minor in sculpture. Upon her graduation in 1964, she received a coveted prize from the school’s Alumni Painters Association.
Kawamura then went to work as a model maker at the Richard Rush Studios in Chicago’s West Loop. There she worked on architectural models for such projects as the John Hancock building and the Sears Tower and on a number of medical models. She remained at Rush Studios until her retirement.
She also took a job as a hat check girl in a theater next to Second City to improve her English. “She loved plays and was a long-time subscriber to Steppenwolf Theater,” said Dillon in the memorial booklet. Her love of travel was obvious from the many photographs she had.
At the age of 77, upon “retirement,” Kawamura returned to her love of fine arts, continuing her painting and sculpting in classes at the Evanston Art Center, where she made many friends.
“Sueko was feisty, opinionated, and one of the most talented artists it’s been my pleasure to know. One immediately noticed the energy she exhibited at all times,” wrote Bill Anders, another student sculptor friend at the Art Center.
Other comments from fellow students included: “She pushed her sculpture and developed a style that was unique and visionary. … Sueko didn’t talk much, and her every remark was important. There was no empty talk. … It was interesting and involving to watch her work.”
Kawamura’s bequest will fund eight full scholarships each year for 25 years, incorporating any likely tuition increases. The scholarships will be known as the Weighardt/Kawamura Scholarships. They will be awarded to students who cannot afford the cost of the Art Center’s classes.
Exhibitions in the newly named gallery are part of the Art Center’s overall exhibition program. Thirty shows a year are held at the Center, 12 of them month-long exhibitions in the Sueko Kawamura gallery. That allows for about 20 artists each year in the second-floor gallery space.
Kawamura’s ashes will be returned to Japan at her request by two dear friends, when travel abroad is once again possible. Free copies of the memorial book are available at the Art Center, 1717 Central St., and can also be mailed out upon request.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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