Tamekane is currently Visiting Artist at the Graduate School of Fine Arts of the University of Pennsylvania. He will show works produced prior to his arrival in the United States as well as works produced during his tenure in Philadelphia. He believes that his recent work shows the influence of being in the United States and contrasts with earlier work completed in Japan. The changes are subtle, he says, but he is aware of using different structures and different colors. He is able to use poetry in place of narrative and has been able to concentrate intensely so that outside complications do not intrude. His woodblocks explore a variety of themes including Time and Space; he is known for the addition of rich textural qualities, often using gold and silver leaf to create dynamic images of depth and mystery.

Tamekane’s work has been shown all over the world and he has won awards in France, Canada, Japan and Eastern Europe. His work is in public collections in Paris, in Los Angeles, in Australia and in Japan.

On May 15 from 10a.m. to 3p.m., Tamekane will give a one-day demonstration and hands-on workshop on Japanese woodblock printing at the Montgomery Center for the Arts. This is a unique opportunity to learn the secrets of woodblock printing from a master. A few places remain. The cost is $75 for members of the Montgomery Center for the Arts, $90 for non-members. Call the Center to reserve a place.

A reception, which is open to the public, will be held on Sunday, May 16 between 1p.m.- 4p.m. The Montgomery Center for the Arts is located at 124 Montgomery Road in Skillman, New Jersey. (Right turn off Rte. 206 one half-mile north of the Rte. 518 intersection.) Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday 10a.m.-3p.m., Sundays 1p.m.-4p.m. (Closed Saturdays and Mondays.) For additional information, please call 609-921-3272 or go to www.montgomerycenterforthearts.com.