Supporting Artists in Important Places Saigo Kogei no Sato Ni Gallery & Cafe (Tottori) (Nihonkai Shimbun) - Yahoo! News

A cafe where you can enjoy the artist's wares such as specially made cake plates from Nakai kiln in Inshu (front) = Saigo Kougei no Sato Okudan in Yumikawachi, Kawaramachi, Tottori City

In December last year, a gallery and café "Saigo Kogei no Sato okudan" was completed in the Saigo area of ​​Kawaramachi, Tottori City, which aims to revitalize the region by attracting craft artists. bottom. There are also limited-edition items such as tableware for the café and wash bowls specially made by the artist, hoping that they will come to visit Saigo. The area is dotted with 10 studios, including white porcelain Living National Treasure Akihiro Maeda (67), ceramics, glass, and woodwork. The annual exhibition and sale event "Saigo Kogei Festival" attracts many visitors every year, but there is no place to see the works all the time, and it has not been possible to take advantage of the opportunity to revitalize the region. The facility is operated by the residents' organization "Saigo Kogei no Sato Amanjaku" (Representative Director Kyoichi Kitamura), which promotes town development. Using Tottori Prefecture's hometown tax payment type crowdfunding (CF) project, funds were raised to develop an empty house in Yumikawachi, the same town. The name "Okudan" comes from the name of the owner of the vacant house, which means "Okudan", which means "in the valley behind". The tableware used in the café and the fixtures in the facility are custom-made by the artist, and are particularly eye-catching. Inshu Nakai kiln made a cake plate with white, black, and green glaze applied to the rim and the entire inside of the plate. The same type of hanging has been used in the past, but the bottom of the rim is engraved to prevent slipping, and the small polka dots around the plate are playful. Akira Sakamoto, 56, the potter's owner, said, "We focused on ease of use for the invisible parts, and added the beauty of handwork. We want you to experience the special feeling that only Saigo can offer." At Kobo Konoka, coasters are made using Okinawan oak and mizume to match the glasses in the cafe. The washrooms are equipped with wash basins from the Hanawa and Misa kilns, allowing visitors to see a new side of the artist that is different from his usual work. The CF, which was solicited with the goal of 1.8 million yen, received 4,693,000 yen, far exceeding expectations. It is said that most of the donations were from local residents, and in order to create a more fulfilling space, the original renovation plan has been significantly revised, aiming for the official opening at the end of April. The gallery is only for exhibitions for the time being, but there are also plans to sell works, and to use the café as a place for learning, such as workshops. Representative Director Kitamura (75) hopes that "it will support young writers and become an irreplaceable and important place for local people and visitors." Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm.