April’s First Friday reception is a celebration of Japanese art and culture, devoted exclusively to Treasures from the Floating World, the first exhibition of the Center’s Japanese Art collection.
The evening will begin with a concert by Denver ensemble Taiko with Toni, led by Toni Yagami. In traditional costume, using taiko drums, various hand percussion, bamboo flutes and the koto (Japanese harp), Toni and her troupe delight audiences all over Colorado with the festival (Matsuri) sound of Japan. Koto musician Miwa Steuben has performed traditional Japanese string music since she was a child and holds a teaching certification from the Somei Ongakukai in Tokyo, Japan. Following will be refreshments and a tour of the exhibition with the Art Center’s Curator for anyone who is interested. The collection belonged to local couple Mai Nagatomo and Bill Robinson. Robinson left the entire collection to the Art Center upon his passing in March 2015.