Over a century ago, Japanese Gardens were introduced to the United States. What began as a formal extension of foreign diplomacy quickly evolved into a grassroots effort which focused on sister cities, cultural exchanges and cultural outreach. Today this popular form of art and gardening is prevalent in both public and private landscapes. With an increased awareness of our needs for a tranquil environment the Japanese Garden has gained a renewed purpose in modern times to serve the community as a place for restoring our well-being and a space for meaningful events.
Sada is a third generation Japanese gardener from southern Japan where his family has been involved in gardening since the Meiji period (1909 to date). Prior to his appointment as Garden Curator in October 2008, he served as a Vice President on the Board of Directors and continues to serve on advisory committees for the Portland Japanese Garden. Devoted to fostering relations between Japanese gardens in Japan and those outside of Japan, Sada served as a Secretary of the International Association of Japanese Gardens (IAJG) from 1996 to 2000. Stemming from his involvement with the IAJG and his vast knowledge in the field of Japanese gardens, he was invited to speak at the 5thInternational Symposium on Japanese Gardens in Tokyo during September 2007. Since then, Sada has been working closely with Steve Bloom, CEO of the Portland Japanese Garden on the development and establishment of the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) beginning in 2009.
Fee: $18 ($15 for Friends of the Duke Gardens)
DATE: May 15, 2012
LOCATION: Doris Duke Center, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St., Durham
TIME: 7:00-9:00pm
"Japanese Gardens in the United States: Growing from Cultural Outreach to Community Restoration" – Sadafumi Uchiyama, Curator, Portland Japanese Garden
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