This year we have featured Japanese clothing in the traditional styles and how wonderful it is to have an opportunity to view some of the finest kimonos available.

A collage of many of the lovely kimono on display at the Golden Art Gallery

Maggie Backman is the owner of most of the kimonos and obis on display and she traveled here to Goldendale to docent this wonderful show. Backman is the coordinator of Silk Experience, thesilkexperience@silkthings.com. She is very knowledgeable and told a group of us just how she first became involved back in the early nineties. At that time one could purchase a 200 pound bale of Japanese silks and fabrics but she hesitated until a group of women interested in specialty fabrics and dying got together and purchased a bale to divide up.  That was the beginning of a long lasting and loving relationship with the traditional clothing worn by the Japanese.

Maggie owns most of the kimonos and accessories in this fabric show.

The opening of the show took place Thursday night June 25 and a gala event it was indeed. With Maggie as docent we learned about the textiles and methods used to achieve the beautiful effects of each kimono. this was very interesting and there are many very stringent rules as to just how one dresses in the traditional clothing. On display are the lovely obis that are placed at the waist just so, there is a case display of the accessories used for proper dress.

These haori are for women. the fabric displayed is the traditional 18 inch width used to make kimonos.

Also on display is the the common field clothing worn by men and women for work. Each display has a full description of use, age group and male or female. women’s kimonos in general are more decorative but the young girls is the most decorative and colorful and features longer sleeves.

On display is a magnificent wedding kimono which is the outer garment worn open with a train by the bride. This garment is beautifully embroidered with peacocks and flowers, symbols of good luck. and fortune. The inner garment is white and is revealed by the open outer kimono.

Magnificent embroidery of peacocks and flowers adorn this kimono

The wine bar featured wines and Saki martinis which were delightful but you could have your choice of other wines as well.  The snacks were a lovely assortment of Japanese style tidbits and a cute fake California sushi roll made out of a Twinkie rolled in green apple fruit leather, too cute!! There was a nice crowd who came to enjoy the Japanese experience and to meet new and old friends.

Coming up is  the July 11 Gallery benefit Japanese style dinner and live auction.  Advance tickets are available now at $12 each.  This is always a  lot of fun and you can join in at no cost.