PRESENTING OUR 2022 POSTER ARTIST
2022 is a special year for Nikkei Matsuri, as it marks the 10th year since the first festival took place at Nikkei Centre. Since 2013, Nikkei Matsuri has been a core fundraising event for Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, with the proceeds providing critical funding for its cultural, educational, and museum projects and initiatives. #NikkeiMatsuri10
In celebration of this special anniversary and milestone, our committee began collaboration with local artist Rachel Davidson to create an original watercolor painting that is featured on this year’s poster, online promotions, and advertising.
Many of Rachel’s artworks embrace Japan, featuring foods, landscapes, and travel.
“My journey in painting has been analogous to meditation: staying in the moment, and embracing imperfection.”
This year’s poster features bright and lively imagery and colours, capturing the family friendly and festive spirit Nikkei Matsuri brings to the community.
You may see Rachel’s design featured on local media What’s On! Burnaby, Fraser Monthly, The Bulletin, and on Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre’s social media pages.
“I am honoured to support Nikkei in a new way this year, through my artwork. In painting the piece, I drew on my positive memories of Japanese summer festivals with all their colours, sounds, and especially tastes. I hope everyone is inspired to visit this year’s Nikkei Matsuri!”
Rachel Davidson
ABOUT RACHEL DAVIDSON
Rachel is a self-described “bundle of contradictions existing in harmony.” A descendant of the West by way of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the East by way of Hong Kong & Guangdong.
An artist at heart with an innately practical career in education, helping students work towards their post-secondary goals.
Has an English major and Japanese minor from Pomona College in Claremont, CA, and a Masters in Education from the University of Cambridge in the UK. Rachel is fluent in Japanese, having spent two years living in Hokkaido, Japan, teaching through the JET Programme.
An introverted, soft-spoken personality who listens to obscure, experimental indie music, and fiercely believes in free speech.
Since resettling in Vancouver, Rachel has enjoyed giving back to the Japanese Canadian community by teaching English to adult learners, and Japanese to high school students; volunteering at Nikkei Matsuri and the Metro Vancouver Japan Bowl; and serving on the JET Alumni Association of British Columbia’s Board of Directors.