Ikki an Polly Matsumoto have added new pieces for their exhibit at the Founders Gallery at BIG ARTS.
Ikki and Polly Matsumoto.
Their names seem to be synonymous with island life.
The well-known and popular artist couple are exhibiting 21 pieces of their artwork at BIG ARTS Founders Gallery, 900 Dunlop Road. A reception for their exhibit called Take 2 will be held, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21.
Their work whimsical, earthy, delicate, strong and sophisticated draws islanders to their exhibits. Last year BIG ARTS hosted a crowd that came to see the Matsumotos'' exhibit.
The Matsumotos',' who recently arrived from their Ohio home, hung all of their work in two hours early this week.
"We're excited," said Polly Matsumoto.
The couple said they are happy to be back in the area and have just bought a new home in Southwest Florida. They are moving back to the area to be closer with family and friends. They had lived in the area in prior years before moving back to Ohio.
Polly's weavings are filled with earthy colors and rich textures. And Ikki's pieces are fun and thoughtful. In several pieces his cat Chica is depicted doing feline things such as prancing through a grove of clovers and standing plump and happy with feathers cascading around him.
Ikki's voice softens as he chats about Chica whom he rescued at the side of the road.
He and Polly said they do not have a specific theme to their work. But a sense of happiness tends to be a key hue in their work which mostly depicts animals and nature.
"You need that these days," Ikki said of happiness.
BIG ARTS staff expects a similar turn-out for this year's exhibition Take 2 in comparison to last year's exhibit.
"It was such a successful and great show we wanted to have them back," said BIG ARTS Program coordinator, Natalie Cunningham. "They're huge island favorites."
Shareen Groce, coordinator of the exhibit is elated to have new pieces by the couple. Shortly after the Matsumotos' hung their exhibit on Monday, a crowd gathered wanting to buy pieces.
"It's a fabulous exhibit," Groce said.
The exhibit is open through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Founders Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take 2 Ikki and Polly Matsumoto Exhibit supported by Visual Arts Patron Season Sponsors Deborah and John La Gorce.
For further information about this exhibit, call 395-0900, or email info@BIGARTS.org. To learn more about BIG ARTS visit go to www.BIGARTS.org. This includes links to artists' sites.
By ELLA NAYOR, enayor@breezenewspapers.com
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