Hamada Museum of Children's Art, Hamada Japan

In September, 2001, Erin Lee Gafill was asked to come to Hamada, Japan as the first artist-in-residence at the Hamada Museum of Children's Art. This museum, located on the west coast of Japan is dedicated to the appreciation and creation of artwork by Children from around the world. For three weeks, Erin and her family stayed in Hamada. Erin worked closely with the museum staff to create the "Floating Gardens" exhibit, an installation of mobiles created in schools and after-school programs around Shimane Prefecture.

Throughout the three week visit, Erin led a students of a variety of ages in creating individual pieces for the mobiles, which were then displayed at the Hamada Museum of Children's Art.

During their stay, Erin and her family were hosted by Tadashi and Shiho Ogata. Shiho served dinner each night in their traditional home studio.

Tomoka Ogata, Tadashi and Shiho's four-year-old daughter enjoyed watching Erin paint during her home-stay with the Ogata Family.

While visiting Hamada, Erin was able to visit various local crafts people, including the pottery maker pictured above. Also, we visited a Kagura Dance Studio, a Papermaking Studio, a Tile Making Studio, and a traditional Tea Ceremony.

During the traditional tea ceremony on September 13th, 2001, our hostess made a cup of tea for each of the guests, but, the first cup she put on a small altar "for the peace of the souls" of the victims in New York City.