William Thrasher is an independent curator specializing in both traditional and contemporary Japanese craft. His recent museum exhibitions include the traveling exhibition KINDRED SPIRITS: THE AESTHETICS OF FUNCTION IN AMERICAN SHAKER AND JAPANESE ARTS OF DAILY LIFE; and, with Samuel Morse and Louise Cort, as curatorial advisor for SHAPED WITH A PASSION: THE CARL A. WEYERHAEUSER COLLECTION OF JAPANESE CERAMICS FROM THE 1970S. In recent years his focus is directed toward contemporary regional and studio crafts of the 21st century and emerging masters in the media of ceramics, textiles and fibers, lacquer, wood, metal and glass, including traditional and non-traditional materials. He has served as curator and advisor for many gallery exhibitions and frequently works with American artists whose work possesses strong reference to Japanese aesthetics, techniques and forms, and also with Japanese artists seeking exposure to their work in the United States. He has traveled extensively in Japan, exploring regional craft centers and interviewing artists and craftspeople. As a Fulbright Scholar in 1991, he visited lacquer research centers in Japan's Tohoku region and artists who specialize in the unique techniques of regional lacquer. About Tsugaru lacquer he says, "it's like Tsugaru jamisen - complex, exotic, and the techniques are extremely demanding. It possesses a distinctive compelling beauty not found elsewhere in Japanese lacquer. It is also, undoubtedly, the most durable lacquer that can be found in Japan today." If you would like to attend this event, please