Re:Turning the Stories – A Multivocal Exhibition at Casa and Nikka Yuko

In early 2024, the Gallery at Casa released a call to artists with an invitation that was more than just a proposal—it was a prompt to listen, reflect, and reimagine. This invitation launched Re:Turning the Stories, a collaborative exhibition between the Gallery at Casa, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, and the Nikkei Memory Capture Project.

The project asked artists to explore Nikka Yuko not just as a serene landmark, but as a dynamic and layered space: a living archive that holds generational memories, cultural echoes, and personal narratives. Artists were encouraged to engage with the Gardens as a site of multivocal storytelling—a place where heritage, memory, and identity converge.

Over the course of a year, participating artists delved into historical archives, spent time in the Garden, and created works that speak to the many voices and experiences that have shaped—and continue to shape—this unique cultural space. The resulting exhibition presents a powerful blend of perspectives, mediums, and messages.

A Celebration of Culture and Collaboration

The opening reception of Re:Turning the Stories promises to be as rich and dynamic as the exhibition itself. Join us for an evening filled with traditional and contemporary Japanese cultural performances including:

• Taiko Drumming – Powerful rhythms that echo ancestral memory and community spirit
• Origami Demonstrations – Delicate paper folded into symbolic beauty
• Minyo Dancers – Folk dances that celebrate everyday joy and historical continuity
• Sake Bar – A curated tasting experience to enjoy the flavors of Japanese tradition

This event invites the community to gather and celebrate a creative exploration of heritage and the power of storytelling through art.

Participating Artists

The exhibition features works from over 40 artists whose diverse practices and perspectives bring depth and vitality to the theme. Some of the participating artists include:

Cassandra Allred, Ivan Bering, Carla Beres, Alexis Bialobzyski, Janice Brown, Molly JF Caldwell, Doris Charest, Sandra Cowan, Marney Delver, Amy Dodic, Wayne Dwornik, Eve Ford, Kim Fortin, Sidney Frenette-Ling, Lauren Gotao, Aaron Hagan, David Hoffos, Nozomi Kamei, Jenn Kitagawa, Sabine Lecorre-Moore, Michael J Leeb, Suzanne Lint, Shelly Lloyd, Maria Madacky, Mao Projects, Alice Matisz, Deb Middleton-Hope, Rob Miller, Jill Moloy, Eileen Murray, Akiko Muromura, Bree Potuzack, Maria Riviere, Ami Sangha, Kiyomi Scoville, J. Gibb Smith, Chantal Snodgrass, Bev Tosh, Gary Uchikura, Sue Wilkie, and Lev Zienchuck.

Also at Casa: The Saokitapi Gallery

Running from June 14 to August 23, 2025, the Saokitapi Gallery will feature an exhibition by Ryan Jason Alan Willert, a celebrated artist whose work engages with Blackfoot culture and storytelling. Willert’s show offers an exciting companion to Re:Turning the Stories, underscoring Casa’s commitment to showcasing diverse Indigenous voices and expanding the conversation about place, memory, and identity.

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Re:Turning the Stories is more than an exhibition—it’s a gesture of listening, remembering, and sharing. Join us in honoring the many stories held within Nikka Yuko and our broader cultural landscape.