At the launch party of ‘FeliCe anima!’, a new exhibition by Chika Fukushima, the artist herself was on hand to talk us through her artworks and explain what they mean to her. Inspired by a recent trip to Italy, she makes pictures of weird and wonderful animals in vibrant colours. Chika has an individual style, and it was particularly interesting to hear her own thoughts about the animals she portrays. Thank you to everyone who came.

As always, it was great for us to chat to imagine members outside of lessons, and to meet the friends and relations they bought with them. Catering this time was provided by ‘The Sugar Fairy’ – a splendid array of cookies both sweet and savoury to suit all palettes. Check this website for information about our next party.

This is the first time we have held an accessories exhibition, and we were unsure how it would work in the space. However, I’m pleased to say everything looks fantastic! The necklaces are absolutely beautiful; so original and unique. Each one tells a story and has a meaning attached, so they’re more than just ‘accessories’. We were happy the artist, Marisa Zenone, could attend before she went home to Italy. It was also lovely to see many imagine* members and their friends. With a mixture of Japanese, English and Italian being spoken, it made for a truly international party with a very lively atmosphere. Check this website for information about our next exhibition, and its launch party, which will be held in March 2011.

Last Sunday was the latest party at imagine* – this time to celebrate the launch of Seiko Oka’s new exhibition ‘If on a winter’s night a traveler’. It was great to see so many imagine* members there, from some of our longest serving to a few of our youngest! There was lots of praise for the artworks on display and the delicious food, once again provided by Itsuki Bakery.

We hold parties like these every three months to mark the launch of each new exhibition at imagine*. They are great way to meet like-minded people and to meet our teachers, as well as see some interesting contemporary art. If you are in the area, feel free to drop in next time we hold a party. Details will be available on this website.

It was a rainy day and we were worried people would decide not to come – but they did! In fact, we had a great turnout. People seemed to be very interested in our new exhibition by Rui Nakai. What a great idea: designs for skirts based on the artist’s travel experiences. There are a variety of images for example, flamingos in a river in Berlin, marching soldiers in Copenhagen and (my personal favourite) city lights in Amsterdam. I think the pieces appealed to all ages; some of our younger members told me they liked the bright colours and pretty designs.

As well as fantastic art we had tasty food too (a party essential!). A friend of the artist, from Itsuki Bakery, very kindly supplied us with delicious home-baked bread and homemade marmalade – we hope he will come again! It was a great afternoon and we all had a really nice time chatting with friends and meeting new people, surrounded by Rui’s inventive and refreshing exhibition. Another successful party!

いま展示している山内裕美さんの展示替えにともなうパーティを、先日行いました。よくギャラリーで展示会初日に行う「レセプション」のようなものです。英語では ‘Launch party’ と呼びます。（ Lunch じゃないですよ。）

パーティには、メンバーさんをはじめスタッフや作家さんの友人も参加いただきました。50名近くの方が来てくださり、おかげさまで今回も楽しい時間を過ごすことができました。芦屋だけでなく大阪、西宮や神戸からの方もお越し頂きました。中には東京からのお客様も。お越しいただきまして本当にありがとうございました。この場をかりて御礼申し上げます。

前回の展示とは雰囲気がまたガラっと変わった空間になりました。ご興味のある方はパーティに限らず、作家さんの作品を見るだけでも来て頂ければ光栄です。

野田凉美さんの展示に伴い先週12月7日の日曜日午後にパーティを行いました。作品に合わせて「ドレスコード：黄色」と伝えていたので、みんなそれぞれに黄色を身につけて来てくださいました。御陰さまで今回もたくさんの方々にお越し頂き大盛況に終わりました。ありがとうございました。

食べ物も黄色のものを用意したいという野田さんのご提案から、黄色の人参、パプリカ、トマト、黄色いラベルのお菓子など用意しました。作品を見られた方から黄色は暖かみを感じる等のコメントをお聞きし、今まで意識したことがなかった「黄色」が感じられた一日でした。

今年最後の展示替えのための搬入作業を行いました。今回の作家さんは、野田凉美さんです。展示するほぼ全ての作品が黄色です。だから来週行うパーティのドレスコードは黄色なんです。一番目を引くドレスの展示はスカート部分を奇麗に丸く作るのに時間がかかりましたが、後はスムーズに進み無事展示終了。近くで作品を見ていくと、ひとつひとつ手作りなのに本当に感動します。今年4回目の展示替えとなりますが、ペイント・写真・オブジェとそれぞれ全然違った空間ができて私たちも本当に楽しませてもらいました。これからも様々な作家さんの作品を紹介できるよう英会話教室と併用で運営していければいいなと願います。