The Artist's Touch, The Craftsman's Hand

Today I went to the Portland Art Museum's Exhibition of Woodblock Prints from their collection, The Artist's Touch, The Craftsman's Hand.   It was a spectacular review of the history of woodblocks from the late seventeenth century to the present day.  The museum owns more than 2,500 works and is showcasing a selection of some 250 of the most historically important and visually compelling Japanese prints in the collection. I must say it is a fabulous exhibition, but hurry in to see it as it only lasts until January 22.

Before or after your visit, I recommend my friend Tomoe's, Behind the Museum Cafe, on Southwest 10th.  I had the matcha set which includes a Japanese Tea sweet and bowl of matcha, whisked by Tomoe.  She also serves sandwiches, onigiri (Japanese rice ball), pastries, and other types of Japanese green tea and, if you must, coffee. There you can also see ceramic artist Motoko Hori's works and antiques from Ryokusuido Antique shop.

What a wonder way to relax after the intensity of Hatsugama.