Colorado Springs FAC Presents HYAKKIMARU'S KIRIE WORLD, Now thru 9/15

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center presents Hyakkimaru's Kirie World today, July 28 – Sept. 15 featuring renowned Japanese artist Hyakkimaru in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Colorado Springs and the city of Fujiyoshida.

The 50th Anniversary celebration, the Mountain Festival, will take place on Aug. 4 and is a modified version of the 500-year-old Yoshida Himatsuri Festival, considered one of Japan's most unique historical commemorations, which honors Mt. Fuji. The event involves numerous organizations and is organized by the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum.

This free, family-focused event will feature multicultural performance on two stages, an around-the-world cultural activity passport for children, ethnic food, Fujiyoshida community dancers and singers, a presentation with local and Japanese government officials, culminating with the Fuji Kaen Taiko drummers from Fujiyoshida.

The Mountain Festival, from noon – 8 p.m. at America the Beautiful Park, kicks off a week of activities that includes the exhibition at the Fine Arts Center.

Kirie is the Japanese art of paper cutting. The exhibition will include a collection featuring Native Americans.

"During the Samurai warriors' rise, I feel they shared a similar grief to that of the Native Americans, whose lands were also invaded," writes the artist. "Samurai Warriors were originally farmers and became warriors in order to protect their lands. In my opinion, the earlier Samurai warriors were much like the Native American warriors. I feel very attracted to such local warriors that were courageous and worked very hard to protect their families, and I try to portray such figures in my arts." – the artist's statement.

"We are pleased to partner with the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum with this exhibition to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Fujiyoshida," said Sam Gappmayer, FAC President and CEO. "We know our patrons will enjoy these unique creations by Hyakkimaru honoring the spirit of Native Americans."

The artist will make a number of appearances at the Fine Arts Center demonstrating Kirie, the Japanese art of paper cutting, as well as two hands-on Kirie workshops.

Today, July 28
WHEN: 11a, 1p (20-minute demonstrations)
WHAT: Free Kirie Demonstration
WHERE: FAC Glass Corridor

Saturday, Aug. 25
WHEN: 10a - 12 p
WHAT: Kirie Workshop…create your own Kirie based on your own drawings; artist Hyakkimaru guides participants through the process. Ages 12-Adult. FAC Members, $27; Non-members, $30
WHERE: Bemis School of Art

Tuesday, Aug. 28
WHEN: 4:30-6:30p
WHAT: Kirie Workshop…create your own Kirie based on your own drawings; artist Hyakkimaru guides participants through the process. Ages 12-Adult. FAC Members, $27; Non-members, $30
WHERE: Bemis School of Art

Saturday, Sept. 8
WHEN: 5p
WHAT: Kirie Demonstration at the Black & White Ball
WHERE: FAC

Established in 1936, the Fine Arts Center is home to world-class art galleries, Broadway-worthy live theatre, and an art school for all ages. Built on the foundation of the prestigious Broadmoor Art Academy, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of the first 16 institutions accredited by the American Association of Museums in 1971, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its Permanent Collection and travelling exhibitions, performing arts through the FAC Theatre Company, and arts education with the Bemis School of Art. The Fine Arts Center's building is considered an architectural landmark in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register for Historical Places. In 2007, the FAC unveiled a $28.6 million renovation and expansion.

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