Collection: "Spirit of Omoide Yokocho" Art Show and Sale

Call for Art: "The Spirit of Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)"

Submission Deadline: March 7, 2025

Exhibition Dates: April 5 - May 11, 2025

Opening Reception:  April 5, 2025  5-8pm

Location: Gallery of Hermosa, 138 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach

"The Spirit of Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)"

Local, national, and international artists are invited to participate in this special exhibit, evoking the Spirit of Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), commemorating the Gallery of Hermosa’s one-year anniversary, the gallery owner’s mother’s 84th birthday, and the remarkable legacy of Japanese culture.

This exhibit celebrates cultural heritage and the transformative power of art to connect people across generations. Works reflecting themes of resilience, the legacy of the Japanese diaspora, and symbols of renewal are encouraged.

Special Emphasis Will Be Placed On:

  • Honoring the journeys and cultural contributions of the Japanese diaspora.
  • Highlighting personal and collective stories of strength, survival, and triumph.
  • Reflecting on themes of rebirth, transformation, and cultural identity through visual storytelling.
  • Exploring connections to Hiroshima, the Year of the Snake (1941), and Japanese traditions.
  • Evoking the spirit of Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): a narrow alley in Japan filled with nostalgic charm, representing shared memories, perseverance, and the intersection of past and present. This vibrant and intimate space, known for its warmth and connection, serves as a metaphor for bridging personal and collective histories through art. Artwork actually depicting Omoide Yokocho will be considered but is not the emphasis of this exhibit. 

Eligible Works:
We welcome 2D works in all mediums and smaller 3D sculptures.

Apply Here: Call For Entry

Selection Process:
This exhibit will be juried by a panel of art professionals led by Mike Saijo and Kimie Joe.
Submissions will be evaluated on:

  • Artistic quality and craftsmanship.
  • Relevance to the themes of resilience, renewal, and Japanese heritage.
  • Innovation and ability to inspire or provoke thought.

Celebratory Emphasis:
This exhibition is not only a reflection of history and culture but also a joyous celebration of community, creativity, and perseverance. It is a chance to honor the strength of individuals like the gallery owner’s mother—a Hiroshima survivor and member of the Japanese diaspora.

Artists will have the opportunity to showcase their work in a heartfelt event designed to uplift, connect, and inspire. Inspired by the enduring charm of Omoide Yokocho, this exhibition invites artists to bring personal and shared memories to life, creating a symbolic "Memory Lane" of Japanese heritage and its profound impact on the world.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all local, national and international artists. Artist is responsible for delivering or shipping artwork to and from the gallery. Dates will be provided. 

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