The Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture

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ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

In 1995, The Ruth & Sherman Lee Institute for Japanese Art, located about 45 miles south of Fresno in the town of Hanford, was founded by Elizabeth and Willard Clark to "collect, conserve, study, and exhibit" the paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts of Japan. The rapidly growing collection is comprised of many distinguished works representing artistic activity in Japan from the 10th into the 21th century.

Entrance to Ruth & Sherman Lee Institute for Japanese Art

Through a significant gift of Japanese paintings from the Clarks, the Institute's collection was established in October of 1995. Nearly one hundred and sixty hanging scrolls, thirty pairs or single screens, ten works of sculpture mainly from the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and a number of pieces of decorative art primarily from the Meiji period (1868-1912) are housed at the Institute. The gallery spaces allow for approximately ten percent of the collection to be on display at one time. Among the highlights of the collection are exquisite Buddhist sculpture and painting from the Kamakura period, a wide range of paintings from the Edo period (1615-1868), and a selection of folding screens of the finest quality.

The Institute is nestled amidst one hundred and ten acres of walnut trees in the great interior valley of California. Its comfortable facility and rural setting offer a modern "scholar's studio" environment for contemplation and study. As they enter the first gallery, visitors are greeted with paintings/single screens displayed in tokonoma (alcoves) with tatami (bamboo straw mats), integral elements to a traditional Japanese-style home. The main gallery is clean and spare, and features natural light diffused with ultraviolet protective glass. Artificial lighting is also used when appropriate and the gallery is completely darkened when not in use.

The Institute buildings

A vital part of the Institute is the growing library specializing in volumes on Japanese art and a research facility for visiting scholars. Through its collection, planned symposia series, internship program, and library resources, the Institute hopes to contribute substantially to the development of scholarship in the field. Scholars are encouraged to make advance arrangements for research of the collection.

The Lee Institute is a nonprofit charitable organization open from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, with docent tours every Saturday at 1:00 pm. The Institute showcases four exhibitions per year beginning the first Tuesday in September through the last Saturday in July. The gallery is closed during the month of August. As of February 1, 2005, admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children and students with valid ID. Institute members are admitted free of charge. Group tours can be arranged in advance for an additional fee. Call (559) 582-4915 for more information, or email us. leaf




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