Good Luck Show December 8, 2012

Opening Sat, Dec 8, 7-10pm; on display to Feb. 2, 2013

Artists: Nancy Uyemura, Tomo Isoyama, Amy Inouye

It's almost a new year already again, and we feel like everyone could probably use a soft reboot--so we'll have some lucky artwork to get you in a positive mood (you'll get a lucky buzz). New Year's is a really big deal to Japanese people, with many superstitions and customs. The end of the year is a time for leaving the old year's worries and troubles behind, and the beginning of a new year is an opportunity for a fresh start. For this show, we interpret our versions of luck/love/prosperity-inviting practices. We will exhibit our spins on traditional lucky icons and imagery (like lucky stars and horseshoes). Our goal is to share cleansing energy in positive, artful ways with visitors to the gallery. Japanese believe that the new year should be started with laughter, and that is also part of our idea for this show. Gallery visitors can participate by writing their hopes and wishes and tying them onto a peace tree (well, actually a stick sculpture), then send bad vibes packin' at the "Run Devil Run" station (write "good riddance" messages and then shred them); and stocking up on artist-blessed good luck charms.

Nancy Uyemura is a third-generation Japanese American painter and public artist, poet, writer, and practitioner of Feng Shui.

Tomo Isoyama was born in Tokyo and now lives in Los Angeles. His work explores cross-cultural images, history, and customs.

Amy Inouye is a third-generation Japanese American book designer and installation artist who does relational art and yarn bombing.

The gallery also houses Chicken Boy Shop, a tiny shop that sells exclusive Chicken Boy and Highland Park merchandise, wacky gift items, vintage goods, art prints and artist-made products.

Official Website: http://futurestudiogallery.com