Second Saturday Reception, June 9th: 5 – 9 pm.

Mariko Irie, a lifelong painter, was born and raised in Tokyo where she received her BFA. In 1982 she moved to Mendocino and studied “American Realism” painting at College of the Redwoods in Fort Bragg.

Her wet into wet technique brings out her watercolor’s uniqueness and charm; by adding layers of glazing she creates a distinctive look associated with the medium, yet rich in the traditional style.

Seeking eternal peace and beauty, Mariko hopes that the silence of her painting gives the viewer room for contemplation.

Irie has had numerous solo and group shows; was selected to do posters for Winesong 1995, Mendocino Music Festival 2004, The Voices From Earth Concert 2005 and Art in the Garden 2008; was selected to do the cover for Mendocino Arts in 2008 – her works are well known locally and are widely collected privately and publicly throughout the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Japan.