Harmony of Nature and Art: The Bridge of Spiritual Connection Exhibition at FIU

Marking the 30th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Florida and Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, Harmony of Nature and Art: The Bridge of Spiritual Connection honors decades of cultural exchange, collaboration, and friendship. Established in 1995, the sister-state partnership is part of a broader global initiative to promote mutual understanding, cultural dialogue, educational collaboration, and economic cooperation between regions.

This exhibition brings together works by artists from Florida and Japan, including traditional Noh masks by master carver Hakuzan Kubo, netsuke miniature sculptures from the Frost Art Museum collection, paintings by the Florida Highwaymen, and works in a range of media by contemporary artists. Together, these pieces reflect the enduring spiritual and artistic heritage shared by both regions.

View the exhibit and learn more from FIU using this link.

A Memorable Visit from Wakayama

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.