Retrospective: Ikki and Polly Matsumoto - Alliance for the Arts

Ikki Matsumoto came to the United States from Tokyo  in 1955. He studied at the John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis and  the Art Academy of Cincinnati under renowned humorous wildlife artist  Charles Harper.  He worked in the advertising field as a designer and  illustrated the bestseller “The Joy of Cooking” before moving to Sanibel  where he established a new career as a painter and printmaker . He  channeled the beautiful scenery of the island into his artistry.  His  colorful works of native birds and animals captured the essence of a  southern Florida style with his unique Japanese flair.   Ikki was one of  50 artists chosen by first lady Nancy Reagan to paint an Easter egg  which is now in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum.

Polly Matsumoto was born in Southern Ohio and  attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati.  She also studied weaving at the  Weavers Guild of Cincinnati and ceramic and jewelry design at Edison  College after relocating to Florida.  She was one of the founders of the  Barrier Island Group for the Arts on Sanibel Island and helped to  organize their annual arts and crafts fair as well as their scholarship  program.  Her colorful mixed media pieces incorporate weavings,  paintings and found object.

Featured artwork: Little Boy Blue by Polly Matsumoto

Venue Website: https://artinlee.org/event/matsumoto/