One San Diego group is using its annual art show on March 26 and 27 in Balboa Park as a way to raise donations for Japan.
The Friends of Taka Sumi-e, which consists of about 80 art students, will donate proceeds from artwork sold at its annual showcase, according to member Karen Straus. Of the approximately 100 people participating, many will donate 100 percent of their proceeds to Japan.
"This year, with the terrible situation happening in Japan, we thought we would donate proceeds to earthquake and tsunami disaster victims in Japan," Straus said.
The exhibit will have hundreds of pieces of Japanese artwork for sale ranging in price from a few dollars to around $100 on the high end. Straus said members are working to produce as many pieces as possible for the event.
Each year the group makes a trip to Japan with their teacher, Takashi Ijichi, to further their studies of Japanese art and culture. They had planned this year's trip for April 20. But with warnings not to fly to Japan, Straus said the annual trip is uncertain.
"If the trip doesn't go ... I'm seriously looking at ways that I can go and volunteer," Straus said. "(That is) if the State Department is OK with Americans going over at that time."
The Friends of Taka Sumi-e art show will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26 and 27 at Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.
