34th

Niijima International Glass Art Festival

2023.10.14(Sat)-10.22(Sun)

FESTIVAL STAFF:

Lee JaeKyung

Lee graduated in Glass Art from South Seoul University, then in Design from Tama Art University's Graduate School. He's now an adjunct professor at Kei Hee University and Hietchon University, with visiting roles at Kyunggi University, Sejong University, and South Seoul University.
He also completed his doctoral program in Metal Sculpture Design at Hongik University and currently leads Lalum's glass-related activities. He's the director of the Glass Division at the Korean Ceramic Foundation, a part-time glass instructor at a public university, and involved with Phoenixpark and Baejae Historical Museum.


Chattakan Vongsiri

Chattakan Vongsiri graduated from the Sculpture Department at Silpakorn University in Thailand, earning a BFA degree. He then joined Bangkok Glass Company (BGC) and received guidance from Jeremy and Popelka. He also learned from instructors Osamu Noda, Yumiko, Peter Boul, and Austin Stern at BGC Glass Studio. Additionally, he was honored with the 32nd Niijima Scholarship and received instruction from Nick Mount. He furthered his education under the guidance of instructor Martin Janecký at the Pilchuck Glass School in the USA.


Fukunishi Atsushi

Fukunishi graduated from the Glass Art program at the Toyama Institute of Glass Art and worked as an assistant there. He also attended a special class by Lino Tagliapietra at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. he also participated in the 9th Niijima International Glass Art Festival and served as an advisor and chief instructor in the glass department at Osaka City Craft Park. Fukunishi received the Niijima T.A. Scholarship, studied at the Pilchuck Glass School, and spent time as a guest artist at Southern Illinois University in the USA. He was also invited as a visiting artist for the Seto International Ceramic & Glass Art Exchange Program.


KAKURAI Hideaki

Kakurai, an artist who contributed extensively as a T.A. at the festival over the years, established a personal studio in 2015. He conducts workshops, showcases his work in solo and group exhibitions nationwide, and specializes in creating technically challenging "switchback" pieces that are uniquely his own.


KASHIDA Mutsumi

After graduation, Kashida acquired a Level 2 qualification in physical and chemical technology and studied at the Tokyo Glass Art Research Institute. He earned a scholarship at the 25th Niijima International Glass Art Festival and served as a T.A. from the 27th to the 31st festival. He established the Tama Glass Lab, worked as an invited artist at the Nam Seoul Glass Art Festival, and conducted workshops. He received an award at the 10th Snow Design Awards and later changed their studio's name to Colorful Glass Studio, where he also organized workshops.


HIROTA Ayako

Hirota learned lamp work at Niijima Glass Art Center and later graduated from Tama Art University's Design Department, specializing in three-dimensional design with a focus on glass. Following graduation, Hirota gained experience working in the design department of Sasaki Glass Co., Ltd. Hirota further refined her skills in lampworking at Penland Art School and Bild-Werk. Subsequently, and established ah's Workshop. Additionally, Hirota was awarded a T.A. scholarship at the 10th Niijima International Glass Art Festival and held a solo exhibition at IOgraphic Gallery. As a lampwork artist, she actively participated in various exhibitions, including solo and group shows.


YAMADA Izumi

Yamada enrolled in the Tokyo Glass Art Research Institute and subsequently took up a position at the same institute. During this period, Yamada was awarded a scholarship at the 31st Niijima International Glass Art Festival. Furthermore, Yamada contributed as a special lecturer at Shizuoka Institute of Arts and Culture and also participated as a student in the same festival. Additionally, Yamada served as a part-time instructor at Monotsukuri University, conducting workshops and engaging in creative activities at Atelier En.


YANAGISHITA Hideki

After graduating from the Department of Physics at Sophia University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, Yanagishita gained work experience at a computer manufacturer. Later, he completed a one-year glassblowing course at the Notojima Glass Workshop. Subsequently, he worked as an assistant in multiple studios, even becoming an instructor for courses. He also actively engaged in freelance creative work and frequently participate in workshops. Furthermore, Yanagishita has learned from numerous renowned glass artists, including Yan Erik Ritzman, Dante Marioni, Ben Edols, Dick Marquis, James Mongrain, Karen Willenbrink, and Toots Zynsky.


IMADA Rinoi

Born in Akita Prefecture and currently residing in Tokyo, Imada graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design . Imada completed the Studio Arts program at California State University, San Bernardino, and pursued graduate studies in Glass Craftsmanship at Rochester Institute of Technology. Following the completion of studies, Imada held a solo exhibition titled "Ambiguity" at The Yards Collective in Rochester, New York. Imada also organized a solo exhibition called "Ligne" at Atelier Aire in Asakusabashi, Tokyo. Additionally, Imada was selected for the 9th Contemporary Glass Exhibition in Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and exhibited work in Sofia, Bulgaria, as part of the International Biennial of Glass.."


KUROKI Rika

Kuroki Rika graduated from the Glass Department at the California College of Arts and Crafts. She also organized and staffed events at the Miasa Glass Workshop. Furthermore, she served as an instructor at the Niijima International Glass Art Festiva. She contributed to the editing and writting of 'Glasswork' magazine. Kuroki was also actively involved as a staff member and invited artist at the Niijima International Glass Art Festival. Currently residing in Canada, Kuroki's works are exhibited in various art museums, including the Corning Museum of Glass, Dusseldorf Art Museum, and the Koganezaki Glass Museum."


NODA Hiromu

Hiromu Noda received the NHK Akita Broadcasting Corporation Award at the 12th Akita Craft Exhibition. Subsequently, after graduating from Akita Public University of Fine Arts, he pursued further studies with a short-term stay at Silpakorn University Graduate School in Thailand. Upon returning, Noda was honored with the Excellence Award at the 73rd Gakuten Art Awards, and with this achievement, he is currently pursuing a Master's degree in the Ceramic Research Field within the Craft Specialization at the Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School of Fine Arts."

NODA Aya

Noda Aya graduated from the Craft Department, specializing in ceramics, at Tama Art University. She earned a degree from the Graduate School of Ceramic Art at Kyoto City University of Arts. In the field of ceramics, Noda achieved recognition by winning the NHK Akita Broadcasting Corporation Award at the 12th Akita Craft Exhibition. She was an adjunct art instructor at a private institution, Kyoto Seika Gakuen Junior and Senior High School.


AONUMA Yasuki

Aonuma spent 18 years in the beautiful sea and nature of Niijima, then obtained a teaching license in physical education at the Faculty of Physical Education at Tokai University. Subsequently, he gained experience as a health and physical education teacher in middle school and were dispatched as a member of the JOCV (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) to Kuridhufushi Island in the Maldives. Upon returning to Japan, he worked as a school-age childcare instructor for a private company focusing on school-age childcare. Currently, Aonuma is based on Niijima in the Tokyo Islands, working as a video creator."


NISHIO Ryugen

"Nishio, after graduating from Waseda Saga High School, enrolled in the Animation Department of the Design Division at Tokyo Zokei University's Faculty of Fine Arts and Design. Subsequently, he graduated from the same university. Currently, Nishio is involved in education as a part-time art instructor at Niijima High School."


NISHIDA Koji

Nishida was involved as a staff member in the 11th through 14th Niijima International Glass Art Festivals. Subsequently, after graduating from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts, he embarked on a freelance career and founded RAKU-GAKI.COM. He achieved a milestone by becoming the first Japanese recipient of the Webby Award Personal category at The Webby Awards and later established Nianoa Inc. Starting from the 11th Niijima International Glass Art Festival, Nishida handled the design and production of each edition's web pages, contributing to the event. Throughout this time, he continued his freelance work and made significant contributions to various projects."


MATANO Koji

"Matano established and organized the Miasa Glass Workshop, served as the editor-in-chief of Glasswork Magazine, and was involved in the system design and operation of the Osaka World Trade Center Photo Museum. Since the 9th Niijima International Glass Art Festival, he have been responsible for the public relations and internet construction of the Niijima Glass Art Center every year. Additionally, Matano founded and manages the Okubiwako Wooden Boat Center and currently serves as a board member of the Takashima Bird Watching Center in Shin-Asahi, Takashima City."


NIIJIMA GLASS ART CENTER STAFF:

NODA Osamu

"Osamu Noda graduated from the Glass Department of Tama Art University's Product and Glass Course and the Glass Department of the Graduate School of Fine Arts at Illinois State University. Subsequently, they taught as a part-time lecturer at Tama Art University and served as the director of the Niijima Glass Art Center. Additionally, He was active as a civic instructor at Tokyo Metropolitan Niijima High School and served as an international council member for the Pilchuck Glass School. He won the Encouragement Award at the Craft Competition Exhibition in Takaoka, a Craft City, and received the Japan Craft Award at the Japan Craft Exhibition. Furthermore, Osamu Noda participated as an invited lecturer in the 1st Thai Glass Art Festival."


NODA Yumiko

"Yumiko Noda graduated from the Glass Department of Tama Art University's Product and Glass Course and the Glass Department of the Graduate School of Fine Arts at Illinois State University. Subsequently, she worked as an Associate Director at the Niijima Glass Center and served as an instructor at the Pilchuck Glass School in the United States. She also held the position of International Council Member at the Pilchuck Glass School. Furthermore, Yumiko served as a workshop instructor at Akita Public University of Art and participated as an invited lecturer in the 1st Thai Glass Art Festival. Her achievements include winning an award at the 28th Traditional Craft Exhibition for Various Crafts."


YAMAMOTO Ayao

"After graduating from Joshibi University of Art and Design, Yamamoto has been actively working as a staff member at the Niijima Glass Art Center."


WATAI Yuri

"Watai graduated from the Department of Sculpture and the Research Department at the Toyama Glass Art Institute and has been actively working as a staff member at the Niijima Glass Art Center."


KAGAWA Masato

After graduating from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts, Kagawa participated in the 31st Niijima International Glass Art Festival and has been actively working as a staff member at the Niijima Glass Art Center. Additionally, he achieved success by winning an award at the 3rd Hokushin-Echi Sake Glass Open Submission Exhibition."