Special Event Recap: Mirai No Mori Fundraiser at Toriizaka Art Gallery

Continuing with FEW’s theme of creativity for the month of May, on Friday the 19th, we gathered together at Toriizaka Art Gallery for our Art Fund Raiser for FEW partner Mirai no Mori. Thanks to all our participants, we raised a total of  ¥45,150 for the Mirai no Mori Back To Nature Program, taking place on June 10th!

Gallery Founder Karen Thomas shared an empowering story of leaving her job and taking the road less traveled to start the gallery, following her love of art and a serendipitous meeting with artists in Vietnam. She introduced us to a few select pieces, before we were given time to tour the gallery; every single wall a stunning example of what it means to live with art.

Sarajean Rossitto shared an inspiring presentation about Mirai No Mori and its activities, so we could learn more about their Back To Nature program. Their aim is to create life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned Japanese children, through fostering connections with nature, with society and with one another. By taking part in the Back To Nature program, volunteers serve as positive role models for these children and help them learn about nature, build friendships, and gain confidence and self-esteem.

A night of delicious food supplied by FEW partner Kiwi Kitchen, along with art, wine, inspiring stories, paintings and people getting together to get kids empowered through the great outdoors – a big thank you to all!

If you couldn’t make it, no problem! Spread the word or join FEW for our volunteer day on Saturday June 10th. Concerned that you wouldn’t know what to do on the day if you came along or worried about how to best support the kids? Don’t be! We will be accompanied by professionals at every step on the day who will care for the kids so our role is simply to have fun with them. Executive Director of Mirai no Mori Kozue Oka will be giving all FEW volunteers a free info session about the event on June 5th.

Check out Savvy Tokyo’s article on the history of Toriizaka Art Gallery, Mirai no Mori’s impactful work, and our Fundraiser here!