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The Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Museums, Art Galleries [Edit]
15770 10th AveHanford, CA 93230
(559) 582-4915
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 12:30 pm - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
3 reviews for The Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture
3 reviews in English
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Review from K. A. R.
Clovis, CA
2/27/2009
It's truly amazing that a little city in the middle of the Central Valley is home to such an amazing collection of Japanese art, both ancient and modern. Housed on a large estate, The Clark Center hosts revolving exhibits of everything from Japanese scrolls to Samurai weapons and armor. The docents are extremely informative, and if you present academic credentials you can use their library.
Each spring they host a Cherry Blossom Festival that draws both Japanese and Japanphiles(my word) from all over. Last year, amongst all the other demonstrations of Japanese culture, was a fan fighting demonstration that was stunningly beautiful.Listed in: There's Nothin' to Do Because…
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Review from Mee-stique K.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2007
Ruth and Sherman Lee started this institute outside of Fresno to get ppl more interested in Japanese art and now Mr. Clark himself has taken over the museum. Mr. Clark is such a nice gentleman and very knowledgeable in his field. This place is very serene and has its own japanese garden. It's not a typical place you would want to go visit, especially all the way down in Fresno, but if you shall happen to be there on business or random traveling, make sure you try to stop by!!
They have a lot of wonderful wooden and stone sculptures. -
Review from Janet S.
6/23/2010
What an amazing gem in the outskirts of Hanford. It took us awhile to find the place; it's about 6 miles south of Hanford. Once we were headed in the correct direction, it was easy to spot the Japanese style building as we were driving along 10th Avenue. We were guided by a delightful docent who took us into the exhibit building, which was built especially to house the Clark's collection. There was a bonsai garden which was also available to the public. The Clark's home looks amazingly authentic in its Japanese glory, surrounded by lush gardens and a beautiful pond. They have a office which houses a library and gift shop, where I was able to snag some $5 t-shirts and a lovely hand-crafted paper kimono on a stand.
Specialties
The Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture was founded in 1995 by Elizabeth and Bill Clark to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and educate the public about works of fine art, primary those from Japan. Through these means it hopes to further understanding of the culture of Japan and foster friendship between Japan and the United States.
The Clark Center is home to an internationally recognized collection of approximately 1600 works of art, including hanging scrolls, folding screens, bamboo basketry and sculpture, ceramics, textiles, lacquer ware, wooden sculpture, and woodblock prints from the 10th century to the present day. Works are displayed in 3-4 thematic exhibitions per year.
Visitors to the Clark Center will also enjoy our bonsai exhibit, consisting of a rotating selection of 20-30 trees drawn from a collection of over 100 plants.
Closed: Sunday, Monday, public holidays and during August. Please see our website or phone for admission fees and more information.
History
Established in 1995
Mr Clark, a native of Hanford, began seriously collecting Japanese art in the 1970s with the view of establishing a museum in his hometown. He consulted Dr Sherman Lee, the former Director of The Cleveland Museum of Art, who, together with his wife Mrs Ruth Lee, became a dear friend and trusted adviser of the Clarks. The Clark Center was founded in October of 1995 through a significant gift of Japanese artworks from Elizabeth and Bill Clark. The art collection and library continue to grow each year through gifts and bequests.
