Never Retallack | Entertainment Editor
Galleries are a staple within the realm of art, but for those interested in seeing art and nature combined, the Portland Japanese Garden is the perfect solution.
The idea for the garden was conceived in the 1950s by Mayor Terry Schrunk and members of the Portland community, in an attempt to soothe the tension between the United States and Japan after WWII and provide citizens with a garden of serenity and beauty.
On portlandjapanesegarden.org, it says, “Our mission is to bring the ideals of Portland Japanese Garden to the world: art of craft, connection to nature, experience of peace.”
Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University designed the Garden, and his plan included five different garden styles laid out on 5.5 acres.
It officially opened in 1967, and the next year they started construction for the Japanese Tea House — where they host events for people to visit throughout the summer.
It wasn’t until 1981 that they kept the gardens open all year round, and in 2015 the famous architect Kengo Kuma was enlisted to create a new visitors center, for the increasing amount of people coming each year.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Japanese Garden this month and the chilly weather did not hinder the experience at all. The intricate weaving pathways are interwoven with art features and an array of plants. There is a pond near a waterfall with large koi fish meandering within the depths.
The routes that are available allow visitors to choose how they want to approach the gardens; this was helpful when it came to avoiding larger groups of people, keeping the experience serene and personal.
Located within Pavilion Gallery and Tanabe Gallery an art exhibit, “Spirits Rising: ひろしま / hiroshima” by Ishiuchi Miyako, opening Jan. 18 until March 15. This is the 75 year celebration commemorating the end of WWII. The exhibit will showcase the tattered clothes and belongings of those who experienced the atomic bombing in Hiroshima; it’s meant to remember what was lost and spark conversation as well.
They are open Monday 12-4 p.m. and Tues.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; for students with ID, a ticket costs $13.50.
Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu
Photos courtesy of japanesegarden.org
