A group of artists whose work has been inspired by Japan, is staging an exhibition at a Glasgow gallery to raise money for the stricken country. Artist Blair Thomson came up with the idea for the exhibition which will donate 70% of sales to the Japanese Red Cross to help the people of the Tohoku, the area worst hit by the recent earthquake and tsunami, and also to the Japan Society Appeal.

The exhibition runs at the RGI Kelly over 6 and 7 April (day & evening) before moving to Blair’s West Regent Street studio where it continues until Sunday 10 April. As a painter and Artist Council Member of The Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, Blair has exhibited in Japan twice in the last two years, including representing the UK at the four yearly ART/X/TOYAMA international show in 2010. Other participating artists include Campbell Sandilands, Japanese glass artist, Keiko Mukaide, American photographer Laurel Casjens, and illustrator Stuart Kerr.

“As we have all spent time in Japan, it has had a strong influence on our work,” explains Blair. “This exhibition is a celebration and general message of support to Japan, whose art, culture and environment (city and landscape) has made such an impact on us, as well as reflecting the wider connection between our two countries. We felt that rather than doing nothing, we could turn our feelings around and bring people together to raise money and offer support. We really want to help the Tohoku survivors. We also have a lot of friends and family there, who if not directly affected are fearful and depressed, so we are sending them a positive supporting, colourful message from the UK.”

RGI Kelly Gallery, 118 Douglas Street, G2 4ET
Tel: 0141 248 6386, gallery(at)royalglasgowinstitute.org

- Wednesday 6th: 10.30am - 7pm
Official opening 11am, Sushi served by MacCallums of Troon
Informal opening 6 - 7pm, Whisky served
Green tea served all day by Brewhaha, also home baking and other refreshments.
- Thursday 7th: 10.30am - 5pm

Continued at Blair Thomson's studio, 143 West Regent Street, G2 2SG
www.blairthomson.com

- Friday 8th: 10.30am - 5pm
- Saturday 9th: 10.30am - 5pm
Saturday get-together with demonstrations by the artists at 1pm, including aspects of Japanese traditional artforms

Sushi served by MacCallums of Troon
- Sunday 10th: 12 - 5pm