By:
Ron Huard
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For over 40 years, a special relationship between the state of Michigan and Japan’s Shiga Prefecture has provided an ideal base for cultural understanding, rotating visitations and an early introduction of people – young and old – from Konan, Japan and St. Johns, Michigan.
It was in 1968 that Michigan and Shiga formed a sister-state relationship that served as the foundation for a friendship-city affiliation between St. Johns and Konan. That understanding ultimately spawned an art and drawing event that is now in its 14th year, featuring the efforts of elementary and middle school students on both sides of the ocean. The artwork is now on display in Briggs Public Library through March 27.
Jenny McCampbell, chair of the St. Johns-Konan Friendship Society, explained that the individual pieces on display reflect the thoughts and perceptions of both Japanese and American students on their respective life experiences. Many of the works depict typical scenes from everyday life, natural habitat and daily routines. “It’s exciting to compare the drawing and recognize the similarities despite cultural differences,” commented McCampbell.
This year’s display opened with a reception Tuesday March 2 during which time over 300 persons passed in review of the presentation, sharing in a social period and refreshments. A highlight of the evening was a musical presentation by third- and fourth-grade students from East Olive featuring Japanese folk songs sung by the group in that language. The students were taught the songs by St. Johns vocal music teacher Shirley Anne Ries.
Other district staff members assisting the Friendship Society efforts include elementary art teachers Barbara Brearly and Anne DenHerder and middle school art teacher Jared Fromson.
After the drawings are taken down on March 27, the artwork by the St. Johns students will be packed and shipped to Konan, Japan to be displayed in their city library along with a new set of artwork by the Konan students.
As interesting and enjoyable as the display and reception are, they are but a part of the overall activities of the friendship-city relationship between Konan and St. Johns, which is a small part of the sister-state relationship between Michigan and Shiga. Like the rotation of the art display, each year an assembly from either state visits the other on a revolving schedule – on even-numbered years, a Shiga delegation arrives in Michigan for 10 days, and on the other years a Michigan delegation visits Shiga. These trips, known as the Goodwill Mission, include five days of a home-stay experience for the approximately 50 visitors with families throughout the state. During the 14 years, many close friendships have grown through the exchanges of people between St. Johns and Konan, with a number of local residents having experienced the amity created by serving as a host family. Host families will be sought in Michigan cities and towns for the Shiga delegation’s visit, September 11-15, 2010.
Enforcing the spirit of the friendship city connection is the Fowler couple of Jim and Yoko Briganti. As her name suggests, Yoko is a native of Japan and, along with Jim, she has contributed insight into the Friendship group. The Brigantis are joined in Friendship membership by Kathleen Beagle, Guven Witteveen and Gerry Congleton. “We’re a fairly small group as you can see,” commented McCampbell, “but we work together closely to ensure the friendship-city affiliation endures; we also welcome all interested people to join us. Please call 989.224.6134 for more information about the committee and/or hosting Goodwill Mission guests this year.” The St. Johns-Konan Friendship Society is under the umbrella of the Clinton County Arts Council.
Attesting to her reference of working together, McCampbell pointed out the oriental garden at the west side of Briggs Public Library. “The Friendship group, along with much assistance from Pete Motz, created the plot not only to enhance the area surrounding the library, but also to bring awareness to our Society and our Japanese connection.”
Perhaps to some, activities of the St. Johns-Konan Friendship Society are a well-kept secret. A secret that after 14 years can no longer be hidden!
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