Artful Exchange

The Frederick Harris Gallery brings Members and artists together each month through vibrant receptions and exhibitions.

Art has long been a centerpiece of Club life. When the Azabudai Club was rebuilt in the 1970s, the Genkan Gallery quickly became a popular spot, thanks to its central location within the Club, and hosted well-attended receptions.

When the current clubhouse opened in 2011, the gallery, now named after the late Frederick Harris, a former Club president and talented painter, was split into two parts. One is a showcase near the Family Lobby on the first floor, while the main space is at the entrance to the B1 Adult Lobby, an area that many Members and visitors traverse on their way to the New York Ballroom and Brooklyn rooms for events.

“Our primary objective has always been to cultivate a distinctive space where art and culture converge, offering Members enriching experiences and insights,” says Member Barbara Hancock, chair of the Frederick Harris Gallery Committee.

Each month, the gallery brings a new collection of art to the Club, with works ranging from oil paintings and traditional Japanese woodblock prints to ceramics and sculptures.
The committee receives 30 to 50 applications each year, creating fierce competition for the limited exhibition spots.

“The most important criteria when selecting artists are the quality and originality of their work,” explains Hancock. “We look for artists who demonstrate a strong creative vision and technical skill, ensuring that their art resonates with our Members and aligns with the gallery’s standards. Additionally, we consider the diversity of styles and mediums to provide a dynamic and engaging experience for the Club.”

Kicking off each exhibition is a reception, giving Members a chance to meet and interact with the artists. The gatherings offer enlightening insights into the creative minds of renowned local and international artists over a glass of wine and bites.

Member Christa Wallington finds the receptions to be an important part of the gallery experience. “I love it when the artist is there and gives you insights into their world,” she says. “I think everyone who loves art would like to be an artist, but some of us are just called to keep the artists alive by buying.”

Much of the displayed artwork is available for purchase through Member Services or online, and sales begin at 6pm on the first day of the exhibition.

The Frederick Harris Gallery, she adds, “profoundly supports the standards of the Club, and is our cultural arm with the classes and tours that Connections and the Culture, Community & Entertainment Committee organize.”

Shimane-born artist Mutsuko Yawatagaki, whose patchwork quilting appears on this month’s cover, displayed her artworks in April.

In August, Members greeted Danish artist Maja Laerkholm as she talked about her engaging kintsugi-inspired works crafted from cardboard.

This month brings the College Women’s Association of Japan’s 75th anniversary special exhibition to the Frederick Harris Gallery. Entitled “Trailblazers,” the collection of works by five women printmakers highlights how they overcame social constraints in Japan across a century in the pursuit of art. The reception will take place at 6:30pm on October 8 and the exhibition will run through November 1.

On November 6, the Club will welcome artists from the Noto Peninsula. Seven artisans from the area devastated by the earthquake that struck on the first day of this year will bring their crafts, including lacquerware, candles, cloth and traditional suzuyaki pottery.

Ahead of this, on October 23, Sam Tabuchi, a member of the public-private partnerships team at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and a professor emeritus at Toyo University, will present a TAC Talk about revitalizing the Noto Peninsula. A Noto native, Tabuchi will provide valuable insights into how the area’s people are adapting and striving to preserve their rich heritage while looking to the future with resilience and determination—a perfect primer for the upcoming exhibition, which will run from November 6 to December 2.

The Club’s Connections group will also be supporting artisans from the Noto Peninsula in November through the annual International Bazaar sale and fundraiser that benefits local charities.

The primary goal of the Frederick Harris Gallery receptions, Hancock says, has always been to introduce Members to new artists at the start of each show while fostering a welcoming environment for socializing with both old and new friends. “As we continue this tradition, we’re focusing on elevating the gallery’s visibility within the current Club space,” she explains. “Through our receptions, we aim to enhance engagement with the art and ensure that the gallery remains a vibrant and integral part of the Club experience.

“I encourage everyone to take a walk through the Frederick Harris Gallery, and to join us at our opening receptions for exhibitions. Come enjoy a glass of wine and meet the artists as we continue to promote a shared appreciation for the vibrant art scene in our community.”