DECATUR, Ill. ¨C Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University΅―s School of Art & Creative Media recently hosted a lively and interactive celebration on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in honor of the Nihonga-In Exhibition at the Robert Crowder Art Gallery in the Kirkland Fine Arts Center, which honored generosity, embraced cultural exchange, and showcased the global connections that make our creative community thrive. The exhibition will be on display through December 19.
Nihonga (Japanese: ΘΥ±Ύ») is a Japanese style of painting that typically uses mineral pigments, and occasionally ink, together with other organic pigments on silk or paper. The term was coined during the Meiji period (1868¨C1912) to distinguish it from its counterpart, Y¨ga (Ρσ»), or Western-style painting. The term translates to ΅°pictures in a Japanese style.΅±
At the center of this reception was Yasu Tanano, a quiet force supporting Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ΅―s arts programs over the years, whose generous gift made it possible to name the Robert Crowder Art Gallery. His commitment reminds us that art is a universal language ¨C one that bridges cultures and sparks dialogue.
The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with conversation and discovery. Guests who share a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and art traveled from surrounding cities to attend the receptions, creating a sense of unity and shared passion. The gallery was beautifully accented by a stunning arrangement provided by the Japanese American floral artist Maki Ostrander, and complemented by an elegant table display from Decatur Sister Cities, both of which symbolized friendship and international connection.
Adding to the event's richness, student-created digital artworks were on display. These pieces were created in design classes and inspired by the Nihonga painting style. These works reflected how global traditions can influence contemporary design and showcased our commitment to integrating learning from the exhibitions into the curriculum.
The Nihonga-In, as an organization, was established on April 12, 1938, as a public exhibition organization by 21 Japanese painters (members). Since then, it has maintained a long history spanning 87 years, holding the annual national public exhibition ΅°Nihonga-In Exhibition΅± every year, now in its 84th year.
Nihonga-In holds its annual exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in May, followed by a traveling exhibition titled ΅°Nihonga-In and Yamanashi Japanese Painting Exhibition΅± at the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art in September.
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Director of the School of Art and Creative Media, Jessa Wilcoxen, welcomed attendees to the reception, and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Gallery Director Ed Walker presented a history and overview of Nihonga-In before recognizing the artists and Tanano.
Perhaps most inspiring was the way students engaged with the visiting artists. These interactions offered invaluable insights into artistic practices and perspectives, creating experiences that will resonate far beyond the classroom.
As shared in the remarks during the event, this celebration was not only about naming a gallery and hosting its first exhibition with invited artists, but also about honoring the vision that art connects us globally. The Crowder Gallery stands as a vibrant space for creativity and collaboration, a place where ideas cross borders and generosity fuels innovation.
About the Robert Crowder Art Gallery
The Robert Crowder Art Gallery is named in honor of Robert H. Crowder, an American artist and designer who studied Nihonga painting in Japan under master artists. Crowder spent several years immersed in Japanese culture and traditional techniques, and his work helped bridge Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His legacy continues to inspire cross-cultural appreciation and education in the arts.
