'Bending Nature' at the Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is extending the run time of its exhibition, Bending Nature: Four Bamboo Artists in the Garden. Originally scheduled to end on October 16, Portland art lovers can visit the Garden to see the exhibition now through November 6.

On Saturday, the Garden switches to its Fall/Winter hours: Monday from Noon to 4pm; Tuesday-Sunday from 10am- 4pm. Tickets are $9.50 for adults, $7.75 for college students (with a valid student ID), seniors (65+) $7.75, and $6.75 for children ages 6-17.

Artists featured include Anne Crumpacker, Jiro Yonezawa, Shigeo Kawashima and Charissa Brock. The exhibit is designed to call attention to the ways in which art and nature can co-exist. Bamboo as a traditional Japanese art material has the ability to 'Bend' and reflect the world around it.

“As a work of art itself, the Portland Japanese Garden provides a natural setting for both the creation and display of art inspired by Japan. Beginning in 2008, the Garden has featured the Art in the Garden series of special exhibitions that reflect the intersection of art and nature and celebrate work that has been influenced by the aesthetics of Japan or created in response to the Garden itself by internationally known artists from Japan and the U.S. Both traditional and contemporary works of art are featured in these seasonal exhibitions. Just as evergreens provide the living thread of continuity throughout the four seasons, Art in the Garden is intended to encourage the ongoing exchange of culture, art and ideas between the U.S. and Japan.”

- Diane Durston, The Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education at The Portland Japanese Garden

You can become a member of the Portland Japanese Garden and receive privileged access to upcoming exhibits, and preview shows that have yet to open.

Images via Erica Heartquist, Portland Japanese Garden