52 for 150: What's So Special About Yoshiro Ikeda?

For week 31 of our Kansas sesquicentennial series we're looking west to Manhattan, home to renowned ceramist and Distinguished Professor of Ceramics at Kansas State University, Yoshiro Ikeda.

Ikeda is a Japanese immigrant whose family settled in Portland when he was teenager. He earned his bachelor's degree in painting from Portland State University. "Throughout my artistic career, I have drawn inspiration and ideas from my surroundings and experiences. My works have reflected the organic aspects of nature, the ever-changing weather, and the art of dancing. Form and surface are woven together, creating an endless line of movement," says Ikeda.

About 52 for 150

Every object has a story, and stories build history. To celebrate 150 years of Kansas statehood we're featuring 52 objects (or collections of related objects)—something new each week throughout the year—from the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library's 130-year-old special, and permanent collections, that represent our collective state history and cultural diversity.

Our collections are available for teachers, students, researchers and general interest, and we hope this online video program will provide insight into what's so "special" about Special Collections. Your library's commitment to collecting art and preserving local history makes it possible for users today and in the future to have immediate access to invaluable research material and cultural artifacts.

To make an appointment to see work by Yoshiro Ikeda, call or stop by the Sabatini Gallery (785-580-4515). We're located on your right just beyond the Library rotunda entrance.