Anime exhibit opens doors to diverse local art

The art gallery will be holding an exhibit featuring anime art to showcase local artists and to educate residents.

Kathleen Dahlquist-Gray, director and curator of the Courthouse Gallery, said artists often bring anime into the gallery, but many people aren’t aware of the Japanese animations.

“I was talking to some of my coworkers about anime and realized they didn’t know what it was, and they’re active artists,” Dahlquist-Gray said.

“The anime show is opening the door to the different art that will be featured.”

“I figured it’s important to expose people to all kinds of art styles,” she said.

Her goal when she took on her role at the gallery four years ago was to educate residents about the different cultures in the area.

“I want to get more diversified art into the gallery,” she said.  “It’s been my soul goal.”

Anime began in the early 1900s as cartoon shorts for commercials in Japanese cinemas.  They were eventually disassembled and sold as single frame pictures.

Today, anime is often derived from comic books and is extremely popular in Japan.

It took off in western culture throughout the 90s in television and video games.  Sailor Moon, Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z are popular culture examples of anime.

Anime characters often have futuristic qualities - clothing, cars, weaponry, hairstyles - and sex appeal.

“I want to start doing more education type showings, and expose people to different art forms so they can appreciate the beauty of things they aren’t usually exposed to.”

She also plans on bringing in aboriginal, Mediterranean and East Indian art.

She also hoped to inspire art in residents.

She is encouraging children to participate.

There will be a special room alloted for artwork by kids in the anime exhibit.  No submissions done by kids will be turned away based on quality.

“It’s important with the arts being taken out of the schools, there is a distinctive lack of support for the arts,” Dahlquist-Gray said.

“Starting from an early age, kids need some positive feedback in things they have interest in.  It helps to form their ego and who they become.”

“If they’re not encouraged in their leisurely activities, they tend to lose them as an adult,” she added.

She said there should be a balance in life between sports and art.

“If you can use them both, it makes you more of a complete package as a human being,” she said.

Dahlquist-Gray has granted an extension to submit artwork because of the busyness surrounding centennial days.

“I didn’t think there would be such an overlap,” she said.

Interpretations of anime art will be accepted until Aug. 5.

“I’m hoping to get at least 60, but no more than 90,” she said.

There are no limitations on size or amount of submissions by one artist, but artists are expected to frame and wire their art to be ready for hanging.

The exhibit will be on display from Aug. 12 to Sept.  24 at the Courthouse Gallery.  Admission is free.