A Glimpse of Japan in Wyoming
Western Wyoming Community College art student Mae Sota’s artwork was chosen to be wrapped on an electrical box in Bunning Park in downtown Rock Springs.
Her work, titled “Japanese Culture” will appear in the spring, when the weather permits its installation. Since the electrical boxes cannot be painted, Sota’s artwork will be transferred to a wrap, then the electrical box will be wrapped in the artwork. The colorful piece depicts Japanese lanterns, buildings, and signs with Japanese characters.
“For this painting, I was inspired by the Japanese culture of objects, buildings, and festivals. Art can convey feelings and emotions that cannot be expressed in words. That's what I like about it. I think that by drawing this picture, I was able to experience more of Japanese culture. I am very happy to have been able to expand Japanese culture even a little,” Sota said.
Sota will graduate from Western this semester with an associate of arts degree in art. She plans to return to her home country, Japan.
Sota is not the first Western whose artwork has been shown in public spaces. Rose Klein’s artwork was chosen in May 2019 for a box on Western’s campus. These projects help beautify Rock Springs, and whether or not the student chooses to remain in town, they leave positive marks on the community.
Western encourages community members to visit Bunning Park to view and appreciate the artwork when it is displayed in the spring.
To learn more about Western’s art program, visit westernwyoming.edu, or contact Jacob Muldowney, visiting professor of art at Western, at jmuldowney@westernwyoming.edu.
