Japanese Cultural Night

Maleny Artworks Gallery hosted a night of Japanese culture with visitors Tombow Kobayashi (Contemporary Doll artist), Bessie Okaloha (Translator) and Etsu Okuno (Japanese Culture teacher) from Tatebayashi [2 hrs north of Tokyo]. Christine Elcoate organised the evening of Kimono dressing ( with model Councellor Jenny McKay ), a Japanese Tea Ceremony followed with plates of Sushi and rice balls all washed down with Sake. 20 Maleny-ites - dressed in Kimonos for
the occassion - a very impressive sight !!!


Judy Breen, Ian Elcoate, Jill Morris with Noela Mills. and The Host !!!???


Etsu Okuno preparing the tea and Bridget Sparkes sipping ...


The team.


Etsu Okuno - asisted by Tombow Kobayashi and Bessie Okaloha - dressing Jenny McKay

Tatebayashi and Maroochydore have been Sister Cities for 11 years, and now the amalgamated Sunshine Coast Council is continuing the tradition. Every alternate year, artists from SCC and Tatebayashi share art and cultural experiences. Interested artists travel with the official delegation at their own cost but are connected with like minded people in the respective Sister Cities for home stay. An official delegation of 22 councillors and business representatives will be in the area for 3 days of this week. Our local councillor, Jenny McKay is heavily involved with this project.