In Harmony
Exhibiton Dates: October 27 – November 7, 2025
CGU Art Reception: November 5, 5-7pm
Gallery is open during the conference on Thurs. Nov. 6, 5-9pm
Location: Peggy Phelps Gallery, Claremont Graduate University (Stauffer Hall)
Exhibition created in conjunction with the Fourth Annual Universal Peace Conference, Peace-ing the World Together. 
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Created in collaboration with the Fourth Annual Universal Peace Conference at CGU, In Harmony brings together artists Hisakazu Suzuki (Japan) and Jessica Csanky (Los Angeles) in a cross-cultural dialogue on peace, meditation, and connection. The two artists met by chance on a flight after Miami Art Week in 2024, sharing images of their art despite not speaking the same language.
Their conversation that day evolved into a creative collaboration. Through painting and mixed media, Csanky and Suzuki explore themes of meditation, balance, and universal connection—the invisible threads that link living beings. Their works invite viewers to pause, breathe, and recognize the beauty of existence through observation of color, sunlight, moonlight, and atmospheric composition. This exhibition explores the energy of harmony and contemplation, reminding us that peace begins in quiet awareness—and that art has the ability to transcend limitations of language by speaking through expression and form.
This year’s Peace Conference coincides with the Centennial Celebration of Claremont Graduate University, symbolizing not only a century of learning and creation but also a reaffirmation of our shared humanity—beyond the boundaries of borders and nations. The exhibition reflects this spirit and is an offering of peace through art and cross cultural connection.

Thursday, June 26 – Thursday, July 17, 2025
Organized by The Nippon Club   Supported by JCC Fund
In cooperation with Yamakyu Japanware Co., Ltd. (Echizen Lacquerware Cooperative), Wajimaya Zenni, Taku Nakano (TNCA☆)
Curated by Shoko Hayashi

Rather than hiding damage, it is transformed into beauty. Rather than being discarded, a broken object is given new life. This philosophy of “restoration” lies at the heart of two traditional Japanese crafts: Kintsugi (gold joinery) and Urushi (lacquerware).
This exhibition explores the theme of “Kintsugi and Urushi,” presenting both traditional and contemporary approaches to preservation and continuity, uniquely rooted in Japanese craftsmanship.
Featured works include lacquerware by Wajimaya Zenni, an esteemed lacquer studio founded in 1813 in Wajima, and contemporary pieces by Yamakyu Japanware, a third-generation workshop based in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture. Together, these two makers represent two of Japan’s most prominent lacquerware-producing regions: Wajima and Echizen.
In January 2024, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake caused severe damage to many workshops and artisans in Wajima. In response, the Echizen Lacquerware Cooperative in Fukui has provided support, including lending tools and workspaces, and organizing donation efforts. This exhibition introduces these cooperative efforts, highlighting the interregional connections that sustain the continuity of lacquer culture.
Also, on view are works by artist Taku Nakano, whose original mosaic kintsugi technique breathes new life into broken ceramics, offering a contemporary take on the Japanese aesthetic of repair and renewal.
In addition, the exhibition includes related displays: expressive ink works by Kayo Kitakomi, a calligrapher who explores memory and time through brush and poetry, and landscape photography by Hachiro Watanabe, known as a “car-camping photographer,” who captures hidden moments in familiar places using dramatic backlighting. Through ink and light, these works evoke themes of impermanence and renewal, complementing the core message of the exhibition.

The beautiful artworks of Japan-based artist Hisakazu Suzuki have been featured on the global art platform “Artsy”
Be sure to check it out!

Hisakazu Suzuki

Designer & Sculptor,
Representative of Spazio Works