Our Most Recent Programs
A Memorable Visit from Wakayama
30th Anniversary Celebration of the Sister State Relationship between Florida and Wakayama at the Atlantic Center for the Arts
Thanks to support from the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association, two University of West Florida exchange students from Wakayama, Akari and Misaki, visited New Smyrna Beach. While there, they assisted with the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Sister State Relationship between Florida and Wakayama at the beautiful Atlantic Center for the Arts.
They went to four galleries, three museums, an art house installation, met artists, and the mayor and vice mayor of the City while visiting the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs in New Smyrna Beach. They gave a presentation about Japan to a group of 6–12-year-olds and visited Canaveral National Seashore. They also met a UWF alum that owns a Dairy Queen and got to pull their soft serve ice cream. The Atlantic Center for the Arts intern, Natalie, was their guide.
Everyone in the community embraced them, gave them gifts, treated them to meals and made them feel special.
View more photos from their stay at this link.
Florida-Wakayama Cultural Exchange Tour 2023
Photos and Art Created on Stephen Shooster’s Florida-Wakayama Cultural Exchange Tour in 2023
“One of the highlights was the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Alliance. We met top people in the association, had a fine lunch, and did a ceramic workshop with the vice president. We will be forever grateful for that event. At the end of my trip, I wanted an art show; instead, I was allowed to spend time with a high school class where I showed them how I completed 88 paintings in 9 weeks! Art transcends national boundaries and emotionally bonds people.”
Learn more about Stephen’s trip through the book written on their trip here.
Art and Photos Created on Stephen Shooster’s Florida-Wakayama Cultural Exchange Tour in 2023. See more of his work and story on his website, shoosty.com.
Governor of Wakayama Visits Tallahassee, October 15 and 16, 2024
Wakayama Governor Visits Tallahassee on October 15 and 16, 2024.
29th Anniversary Exhibit at the State Capitol
Exhibit in Celebration of the 29th Anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement. On view through December 2024 on the 22nd Floor of the Capitol Art Gallery.
Exhibit in Celebration of the 29th Anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement.
Organized by the Florida Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association, the exhibit features the exceptional work of Hakuzan Kubo, a highly respected mask carver whose masks are used by professional Noh performers throughout Japan.
Also showcasing Florida artists’ works and pieces in the DOS collections.
Opening Reception: October 16 at 5:00 pm.
Location: 22nd Florida Capitol Art Gallery
On View: Through December 2024