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 DUBLIN, Ohio — (Oct. 20, 2010) Dublin Arts Council (DAC) will host Masayuki Miyajima: Refined Function, a solo exhibition of Japanese ceramics, in the DAC main gallery, 7125 Riverside Dr., in Dublin, from Nov. 9 through Dec. 17. The exhibition opens with a reception for the artists at DAC on Tues., Nov. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Miyajima will exhibit elegant, functional, handcrafted pottery that is steeped in the Mingei folk art tradition; emphasizing the value and inherent beauty of ordinary useful items that are devoid of artistic pretense.

Miyajima will travel to Dublin from the town of Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. His studio and kiln are situated just outside of Mashiko, where for more than 20 years Miyajima has explored shape and material to produce pottery imbued with a combination of body, mind and spirit. The whole of the object is important, as is its functionality.

 Miyajima and Ken Matsuzaki, whose kiln is also near Mashiko, are the only two internationally exhibiting apprentices of Shimaoka Tatsuzo, designated a “Living National Treasure” by the Japanese government. Masayuki Miyajima: Refined Function offers a unique opportunity to experience the embodiment of this Japanese folk tradition firsthand.

Artwork featured in the DAC gallery is offered for sale with a modest commission coming back to the arts council to continue similar innovative programming. Miyajima’s pottery has proven itself extremely popular with patrons, selling out during his previous visits in 2006 and 2008.

“What I like best about Miyajima Masayuki’s work is its dignity and sense of place,” says Fred G. Notehelfer, professor and director of the UCLA Center for Japanese Studies. “Occasionally he is dramatic and stunning; at other times he is very much down to earth, producing works filled with a sense of simple solidity that suits everyday life.

“Looking at Miyajima’s pottery today I see the potential for a new generation of Mingei artists whose task remains the ever-challenging one of how to humanize our humdrum lives by restoring to us the human spirit with all its originality, power and beauty.”

Regular exhibition hours are Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 pm. Miyajima’s visit will be highlighted by several additional opportunities to meet the artist at DAC, Saturday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 14, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 21, noon to 4 p.m. DAC will be closed Nov. 25 through Nov. 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The exhibition is underwritten by Hidaka, USA, Inc. Airfare is provided by Destinations by Design. The Nov. 9 reception is catered by the Refectory Restaurant & Bistro, DAC’s Visual Arts Series catering sponsor. The exhibition and the reception are free of charge and all are welcome.

For more information about any of Dublin Arts Council’s programs, exhibitions and events call (614) 889-7444 or visit www.dublinarts.org. Dublin Arts Council (DAC), is located at 7125 Riverside Dr. in Dublin, Ohio. Hours are Tues., 10am-7pm; Wed./Thurs./Fri., 10am–5pm; and Sat., 11am-2pm. DAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported in part by an annual endowment from the City of Dublin’s hotel/motel tax and the Ohio Arts Council, which helps fund Dublin Arts Council and its programs with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. DAC is further supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, fundraising events, membership, classes, gift shop sales and in-kind contributions. DAC engages the community, cultivates creativity and fosters life-long learning through the arts.

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