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  • Exhibitions
    • Daniel McClain: Do Over
    • Suzanne M Long: Get A Head
    • William Rhodes: Saints and Heroes
    • Gallery Showroom
    • Past Exhibitions Oakland
      • Robin L. Bernstein: Hope Dies Last
      • Paula Bullwinkel: Everything That Rises
  • Events
  • News
    • William Rhodes: Throughlines at Sanchez Art Center
    • Satellite Projects
      • Threads of Change
      • Singing to the Difference
      • Flesh and Frame
      • TG San Francisco
  • Artist's Opportunities
    • PINT SIZE 3
  • Art Online
    • Painting
    • Drawings
    • Prints
    • Sculpture
    • Jewelry & Accessories
  • Artists
    • Robin L. Bernstein
    • Karl X. Hauser
    • Mac Mechem
    • Larry Austin
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    • Dave Yoas
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Past Featured Solo Exhibition:
Toru Sugita: ACROSS​
Picture
Toru Sugita, Transient Monument(s), 2016, etching & aquatint, 18” x 36” image size
December 7, 2023 - January 27th, 2024
​Opening Reception, 
Saturday, December 9th, 1- 4 pm
Artists' Talk with artist Kathy Kearns, Saturday, January 20th, starting at 2 pm
​​

​Transmission Gallery welcomes Across, a featured solo exhibition of work by printmaker Toru Sugita, reflecting on the two worlds he inhabits, his boyhood home in Japan and the Bay Area locations that inform and anchor so much of his work today.

Comprised of print works (etching, woodcut, monotype, & screen print) and drawings, the exhibition explores the intricacies of light and shadow that define ever changing moments while examining the complexities of a cross-Pacific life.

Scroll down for gallery views and to purchase prints online. Please contact the gallery directly regarding larger prints, or any piece you may have seen in the exhibition in person.
Toru Sugita's Yasu Series, ink and watercolor sketches, 2023, framed in black:

Yasu Sketch 7/7/23

$450.00
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Yasu Sketch 7/10/23

$450.00
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Yasu Sketch 7/11/23

$450.00
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Yasu Sketch 7/12/23

$450.00
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Toru Sugita 14 x 17.5 framed, reduction woodcut prints:

Yasu Koenmae

$600.00
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Atagosan Alley

$600.00
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Jizo Corner

$600.00
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Mikami

$600.00
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Toru Sugita's Small Backyard Series prints, 11" x 11" each, framed in black, etching and aquatint:

Small Backyard #2 (edition 1/10)

$400.00
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Small Backyard #3 (edition 2/10)

$400.00
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Small Backyard #1 (edition 2/10)

$400.00
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Small Backyard #4

$400.00
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Small Backard #6

$400.00
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Small Backyard #8

$400.00
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Small Backyard #7

$400.00
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Small Backyard #9

$400.00
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Small Backyard #10

$400.00
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Small Backyard #11

$400.00
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Small Backyard #12

$400.00
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Small Backyard #13

$400.00
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More About Toru Sugita
Artist's Statement 
I feel moved when sunlight touches an object in the afternoon. I walk out and wander around to observe shapes of shadows. These scenes are temporary, and will change or disappear in the next moment. They are very precious because their occurrence is the unique combination of a place, sunlight, and the precise moment I happen upon the scene.  

The printmaking process is reminiscent of the relationship between light and shadow. Using rich tones of black and white in etching and aquatint helps me express my interest in light and shadow. While I am working on the etching plate, I become deeply involved and identifying myself as a part of the space. I note that nothing is permanent and everything is constantly changing: light, home space, and myself.
 
Since my mother passed earlier this year, I have been traveling a lot between my native town in Japan and Bay Area. I feel like I live across both sides of the Pacific Ocean. I realize I am a member of a traditional family as first son, still connected and share values, even though I have been living in US for over thirty years. I started to long my native town where I grew up, where my father, relatives, and friends still live. At the same time, I feel like Bay Area is my community where I am connected to many friends, students, and professionals. Where is my home? Which country do I belong to?  Where will my life end up in the future? This sentiment of uncertainty can be shared with many of my friends in Bay Area, where many of us are from another country. Even though we together form this dynamic multi-cultural society, it is complex and uneasy for each individual to have dual national identity.
 
This exhibition is composed of my print works (etching, woodcut, monotype, & screen print) and drawings of my hometown in Japan, and my environment in Bay Area. While I connect to my memories, I realize both places are constantly changing, yet visually integrity of place intact. Also this exhibition presents my recent shift of interest from geometric and architectural elements to organic shapes and textures. I see eucalyptus trees with falling barks from my Albany neighborhood have an intricate mixture of organic and geometric beauty. Gravity and time interact with the energy of the tree and contribute to the temporary and ephemeral structure. I see them as the extension of old houses in my native town.


Born in Shiga, Japan - September 1964

EDUCATION
Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking: San Francisco State University Fine Arts Department, May 2003
Research Student, Kyoto Seika University: Printmaking Department, April 1989 - March 1990
Bachelor of Art Education, Kyoto University of Education: Japanese Painting Major in Junior High School Teacher's Course, March 1987

AWARDS
2023    Juror's Choice Award, California Printmakers - Tradition & Innovation, Arts Benicia, Benicia, California
2019    Best of the Show Award, 13th Annual California Centered: Printmaking Exhibition, Merced Multicultural Art Center, Merced, CA
2014    Top Ten SF Open Studios Artists selected by Valerie Leavy, SF Open Studios Exhibition, SOMArts, San Francisco, CA
2011    Purchase Award, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
2009    Cash Award, PRINTED: A Juried Exhibition, Cabrillo Gallery, Cabrillo College, Aptos, California First Place, Juried Artist Award, Contemporary
2009    Sculpture, the Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, CO
2008   Juror's Choice Award, ArtSpan Benefit Art Show and Auction, Electric Works Gallery, San Francisco, California
2006    First Place Award, Pacific Prints 2006, Pacific Art Leaque of Palo Alto, California
2005    Award of Excellence, Impressions: Matric and Image, Alameda Art Center, Alameda, California
2003    Juror's Award, 20th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, California
2000    University Art Center Award, Pacific Prints 2000, Pacific Art League of Palo Alto, California
1999    The Blessing Semler Aquisition Award for The Art Collection of Pomona College, Montgomery Gallery, California
1997    Awarded 3rd Place in Printmaking, The 7th KTEH Art Auction Exhibit, Triton Museum of Art, California
1996    Kyoto Art & Culture Association Director Award, 48th Kyoto Exhibition, Kyoto, Japan
1995    Kala Institute '95 Printmaking Fellowship Award, Berkeley, California
1989    Award for Superior Work, All Japan University's Printmaking Exhibition, Tokyo, Japan
                Kansai New Artist Award, Kansai Shinseisaku (New Production) Exhibition, Osaka, Japan

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Solo Exhibitions
2024    Toru Sugita: ACROSS< Transmission Gallery, Oakland, CA
2019    Toru Sugita New Works, Sticks Framing & Fine Arts, Berkeley, California
                 hidamari - Toru Sugita Exhibition, Gallery Hillgate, Kyoto, Japan. 
2017    Toru Sugita: Impressions, Davidson Galleries, Seattle, Washington
2016    Exhibicion Individual y Conversacion con Toru Sugita, Espacio Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico
2015    Toru Sugita 1/4 Century Exhibition, Gallery Hillgate, Kyoto, Japan
2014    Toru Sugita Đ Prints, Gallery 212, Sonoma Community Center, Sonoma, California
2013    "Bay Area Lines and Shadows," SF State Alumuni Hall Gallery, San Francisco California
2012    "Land and City Đ Paintings and Prints by Toru Sugita," La Pena Cultural Center, Berkeley, California
                "Bay Area Shapes - Etching by Toru Sugita," Caffe Museo, SFMOMA Artists Gallery, San Francisco, California
2011    "A Continuous-Scape," The Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, Colorado
2010    Toru Sugita: Chronology and New Vision, Diablo Valley College Art Gallery, Pleasant Hill, California
2008    "The Work of Toru Sugita," Hang Ups Fine Art, Grand Junction, Colorado
2007    Toru Sugita New Prints & Paintings, Newmark Gallery, San Francisco, California
2006    Solo Show, "Ephemera," Johnson's Art Gallery, Mesa State College, Grand Junction, Colorado
2002    Toru Sugita Paintings and Prints, Gallery img, Santa Clara, California
2000    Solo Show, Merced College Art Gallery, Merced, California
1999    Solo Show "At Shadows Edge" Studio 1109, Sacramento, California
1997    Solo Show "A Shape 1992~1996", AIA East Bay, Oakland, California
1990    "The Other View" (Installation), Gallery Suzuki, Kyoto, Japan
1988    "A Fine Day Goes Down" (Mixed Media),Gallery Iteza, Kyoto, Japan

2-Person Exhibitions
2006    Kate Luxe & Toru Sugita, Crockett Contemporary Art, Crockett, California
2004    Reading/Viewing: a New Perspective Mary V. Marsh & Toru Sugita, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, California
2003    The Visible World - Patty Neal & Toru Sugita, Art Gallery, California State University, Chico, CA
2002    Flashing - New Works by Hye-Kyung Kim & Toru Sugita, Art Beatus Gallery, Vancouver, Canada
2000    Scratch & Burn-Intaglio Prints by Toru Sugita and Xavier Viramontes, Collectors Gallery, Oakland, CA
1998    "Geometric/Organic" Crucible Steel Gallery, San Francisco, California
1997    Lani Asher & Toru Sugita: Two Views, Gallery/The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga, Japan

Group Exhibitions
2023    California Printmakers - Tradition & Innovation, Arts Benicia, Benicia, California
                City Streets, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
                On the Road, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
                Spotlight - The Printmakers, Arc Gallery, San Francisco, California
2022    Retrospective 15, Inclusions Gallery, San Francisco, California
                Los Angeles Printmaking Society 22nd National Juried Exhibition, Mixografia, Los Angeles, California
                35 by 35, Art Benicia, Benicia, California
                Pressed!, Inclusions Gallery, San Francisco, California
                Arts Benicia Printmaker's Workshop, Arts Benicia, Benicia, California
                48 Pillars 2022, Arc Gallery and Studios, San Francisco, California
                Ambos Lados-International Print Exchange, Outpost Performance Space, Albuquerque, New Mexico
2021    Soliloquy, online exhibit, Diablo Valley College Art Gallery
                Graphic Arts Workshop, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
2020    Change, online exhibit, Diablo Valley College Art Gallery
                14th Annual California Centered: Printmaking exhibition (Online) Invited
2019    DVC Sabbatical Exhibition, DVC Art Gallery, Pleasant Hill, CA
                Four Squared 2019, Arc Gallery and Studios, San Francisco, California
                Ambos Lados International Print Exchange Exhibition, Argos Studios, Santa Fe, New Mexico
                13th Annual California Centered: Printmaking Exhibition, Merced Multicultural Art Center, Merced, CA
                 Print It! California Society of Printmakers, Village Theatre Art Gallery, Danville, CA
                Urban Triology, Peter Baczek, Ali Targownik, Toru Sugita, Manna Gallery, Oakland, CA
                 Immigration Emergency, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Oakland, CA
                 Love - Graphic Arts Workshop Exhibit, Dependable Letterpress, San Francisco, CA
2018     Retrospective 11, Inclusions Gallery, San Francisco, CA
                 Recent Art Acquisitions, Ren Brown Collection, Bodega Bay, California
                 California Society of Printmakers Artist in Residence, Kala Project Space, Kala Art Institute, Berkeley, CA
                 The Mu Scroll Exhibition, Phoebe A Hearst Museum of Anthropology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley CA
                 Wood, Aluminum, Copper- Toru Sugita, Jenny Robinson, & Dave Avery, Inclusions Gallery, San Francisco, CA
                Air, Water, Earth - Los Angeles Printmaking Society Juried, Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton, CA
                 International Contemporary Printmaking Exhibition/Forum, CARRE, Hollerich, Luxembourg
                 Then & Now, Negative Space Gallery, Dependable Letterpress, San Francisco, CA
2017     Ca.Inked, Jen Tough Gallery, Vallejo, California
                 City Hues, Telegraph Hill Gallery, San Francisco, California
                 City Streets Đ Urban Views of Bay Area, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
                 Pressing On - Contemporary Printmaking Juried Exhibition, Richmond Art Center, Richmond, California
                 Bridges, - DVC Printmaking Currents, Diablo Valley College Library, Pleasant Hill, California
                 Graphically Observed, CSP Juried Exhibition, Isabelle Percy West Gallery California College of Arts, Oakland, CA
                 Print by South West, South Broadway Cultural Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
                 A Conversation with our Archives, Graphic Arts Workshop Gallery, San Francisco, California
                Dessert Triangle Postre Prints, Purple Gallery, El Paso, Texas
                11th Turner National Print Exhibition, Janet Turner Print Museum, CSU Chico, Chico, California
2016    San Francisco/Yokohama Exchange, Graphic Arts Workshop Gallery, SF & Launch Pad Gallery, Yokohama, Japan
                Four Squared 2016, Arc Gallery and Studios, San Francisco, California
               City Streets, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
              "We're Going Nowhere Fast"Selected Works from The Print Exchange, Sketchbook Project, Brooklyn, NY
                PRINTS: California Society of Printmakers, Isabelle Percy West Gallery, California College of Arts, Oakland, CA
2015    Brownsville Prints, Brownsville Rusteberg Art Gallery, University of Texas, Brownsville, Texas
                Printers Series Vol. 1, CSP Art Residency Show Case, Gruenwald Press, San Francisco, CA
                Prints: CA, LA, and Beyond Part II, Gray Loft Gallery, Oakland, California
2014    Small Matters of Great Importance, Edward Hopper House Art Center, Nyack, New York
                The 9th Kochi International Triennial Exhibition of Prints, Ino-cho Paper Museum, Kochi, Japan
                City Streets - urban views of the Bay Area, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
               Redefining the Multiple, Gary Francis Fine Art, Alameda, California
               Nexus-Portfolio by Bay Area Etchers, A SGC International SF Conference Exhibition, San Francisco State University, CA
               California Etchers Currents, Diablo Valley College Art Gallery, Pleasant Hill, California
               Re/Appropriate: CSP Juried Exhibition, Market Street Gallery, San Francisco, California
2013    "The Art of Giving Art," Gary & Francis Fine Art, Alameda, Casifornia
                "Winterlude," ArtBeatus, Vancouver, Canada
               "Black & White," Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz, California
                City Streets, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
                Carol Lefkowitz, Toru Sugita, Juan Miguel Santiago, SFMOMA Artists Gallery, San Francisco, California
2012    DVC Printmaking Current, Diablo Valley College Library, Pleasant Hill, California
                Ink & Clay 38, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California
                Flock-work inspired by birds, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
               Gallery Artists Group Show, ArtBeatus Gallery, Vancouver, Canada
Why Paint Landscape? ArtZone 461 Gallery, San Francisco, California
Off the Press, Haldan Gallery, Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, California
2011 Accession Đ Recent Acquisitions from the Art in Public Places Collection, Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu, HI
City Streets - urban views of the Bay Area, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
A Stone's Throw Exchange Exhibit, Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop, New York, NY
In Extremis: Prints Monumental, Intimate, and Encompassing, Meridian Gallery, San Francisco, California
"Light/Dark," California Society of Printmakers Juried Exhibition, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, California
2010 2010 Pacific States Biennial National Print Exhibition, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii
City Streets - urban view of the Bay Area, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Lines, Lanes, Planes, SLATE Contemporary, Oakland, California
Skin Deep II, The Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, Colorado
2009 On View: New Work from Kala, Kala Institute, Berkeley, CA
Six Decades of Printmaking, ArtZone 461, San Francisco, CA
20th National Biennial of Los Angeles Printmaking Society, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
PRINTED: A Juried Exhibition, Cabrillo Gallery, Cabrillo College, Aptos, California
Relief Print of Northern California, Hearst Art Gallery, Saint Mary's College, Moraga, California
City Streets - urban view of the Bay Area, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
The Artist of ZYZZYVA, Mina Dresden Gallery, San Francisco, California
Sculpture ~ Material, Physical, Structural and Awake!, the Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, CO
2008 A Stone's Throw Exchange Exhibit, LA Artcore Brewery Gallery, Los Angeles, California
City Streets - urban view of the Bay Area, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
The 7th Kochi International Triennial Exhibition of Prints, Ino-cho Paper Museum, Kochi, Japan (Award Nominated)
Janet Turner 7th National Competition, Janet Turner Print Museum, California State University, Chico, California
2007 Los Angeles Printmaking Society 19th National Exhibition, Riverside Art Museum, California
City Streets - urbn view of the Bay Area, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Summer in the City, Newmark Gallery, San Francisco, California
20th Parkside National Small Print Exhibition, University of Wisconsn-Parkside, Kenosha, Wisconsin
2006 San Francisco Cityscapes, Newmark Gallery, San Francisco, California
Pacific Prints 2006, Pacific Art League of Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
Ink and Idea, Platt Gallery, University of Judaism, Los Angeles, California
Sun and Shadow, Tang Gallery, Bisbee, Arizona
Impressions 2006, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, California
2005 First Annual Auto Show, Charles Campbell Gallery, San Francisco, California
Printmakers Invitational 2005, Claudia Chapline Gallery, Stinson Beach, California
18th National Biennial of Los Angeles Printmaking Society, The Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena, California
Bay Area Fine Art Printmakers, Lynn House Gallery, Antioch, California
San Francisco Cityscapes, Newmark Gallery, San Francisco, California
Berkeley Art Center 22nd Annual National Juried Exhibition, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, California
ŇThirty Something,Ó San Francisco Modern Art Museum Artists Gallery, San Francisco, California
ŇCity Streets:Ó STUDIO Gallery, San Francisco, California
Impressions: Matric and Image, Alameda Art Center, Alameda, California
2004 Issho/Together, Japanese American/Japanese National Artists in America, Meridian Gallery, San Francisco, California
Fields of View:Natural & Urban Landspcapes, Dorothy Herger Gallery, Solano Community College, Solano, California
"...tis the season!," Art Beatus Gallery, Voncouver, Canada
Urban Landscape, San Francisco Modern Art Museum Artists Gallery, San Francisco, California
Printmakers of the Golden Gate, Claudia Chapline Gallery, Stinson Beach, California
Printmaking & Process: An Overview of Contemporary Practice, Arts Benicia Center, Benicia, California
"Paintings & Prints," Kings Gallery, First Unitarian Church, San Francisco, California
Pangaea, The Canvas, San Francisco, California
2003 Berkeley Art Center 20th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, California
Pastiche-An Exhibition of Cacophony, The Canvas, San Francisco, California
2nd Graphic Annual of Contemporary Printmaking, Museo de los Ni–os, San Jose, Costa Rica
LAPS Juried Membership Exhibition, Brand Library Art Galleries, Glendale, California
Jubileumtentoonstelling, Frans Masereel Centrum, Kasterlee, Belgium
2002 Art Bowl II, B. Sakata Garo, Sacramento, California
Global Matrix, Purdue University Galleries, West Lafayette, Indiana
Pacific Prints 2002, Pacific Art League, Palo Alto, California
Then & Now, Museum of ChildrenŐs Art (MOCHA), Oakland, California
Breakages: USF 3rd Annual Sculpture Show, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
ŇDibujo DibujadoÓ1st International Annual of Drawing, Museo del Ni–o, San Jose, Costa Rica
Janet Turner 4th National Print Competition, California State University, Chico, Chico, California
2001 California Small Works, Sonoma Museum of Visual Art, Santa Rosa, California
Berkley Art Center 18th Annual Exhibition, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, California
2000 Oeuvres graphiques d'artistes contemporains ayant travaillé au célèbre Centre Frans Masereel,Gordès, France
Meetings, Suolahti Old Station Hall, Suolahti, Finland
LAPS 2000, Brand Ligrary Art Galleries, Glendale, California
Pacific Prints 2000, Pacific Art League of Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California
1999 California Prints From Wood, Oakland Museum Collector's Gallery, Oakland, California
Selections from Open studios '98, Capella, San Francisco, California
Idea Houce, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, California
Faultlines/Watermarks, Design Center, San Francisco, CA / DerZaaijer, Amsterdam, Holland
15th National Biennial of Los Angeles Printmakers Society, Laband Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
1998 California Prints From Wood, Oakland Museum Collector's Gallery, Oakland, California
Pro Arts 1998 Juried Annual Show, Pro Arts Gallery, Oakland, California
Etchings, Etcetra, Carol A. Dabb Art Consultants, Los Altos, California
A Tradition Continued: Relief Prints, Fetterly Gallery, Vallejo, California
1997 The 7th KTEH Art Auction Exhibit, Triton Museum of Art, California
"Berkeley Salutes Kala", Berkeley Store Gallery, Berkeley, California
1996 California Prints from Wood, Oakland Museum Collector's Gallery, Oakland, California
"Motion in Stillness", Gallery On the Rim, San Francisco, California
"Masters of the Media", Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose, California
"Paper: Selected Works From The Collection", Kismet Gallery, San Jose, California
'95 Kala Institute Fellowship Exhibition, Kala Institute, Berkeley, California
The 3rd Kochi International Triennial Exhibition of Prints, Kochi, Japan
"Japan Mukashi To Ima" show, Modern Art Museum, San Jose, Costa Rica
1995 "Latent August" show, Fort Mason, San Francisco, California
Print & Draw Biennial, Triton Museum of Art, Santa Clara, California
Solo Show (Printmaking) Bucci's, Emeryville, California
1993 The 5th Biennial Exhibition of Prints in Wakayama, Japan
Kala Institute: A Print Exchange, New York Graphic Center, New York, New York
Japanese Art Today, Reykjavik, Iceland
Kala Institute: A Print Exchange, Pyramid Atlantic, Washington, D.C.
1990 Kinoprint '90 (Printmaking), Gallery Suzuki, Kyoto, Japan
1989 All Japan Universities Printing Exhibition, Tokyo, Japan
Printmaking Exhibition for Amnesty International, Kyoto, Japan
Kansai Shinseisaku Exhibition, Osaka, Japan
1987 Group "SHIRUBE" Show (Painting), Gallery F, Kyoto, Japan
1985 Group "URIMBO" Show (Painting), Fujii Daimaru, Kyoto, Japan


FELLOWSHIPS, RESIDENCIES and GRANTS
45th Faculty Lecturer Award, Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, California
March 2018
Art Residency at Taller Grafica Libre, Zaachila, Mexico
December 2016
Art Residency at Ucross Foundation, Ucross, Wyoming
November 2016
The Printers Series: CSP Artist in Residence at The W.O.R.K.S, Vallejo, California
January ~ March 2015
Art Residency, Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, Vermont
July 2013
Diablo Valley College Professional Development Fund for attending SGCI Milwaukee Conference
March 2013
Mesa State College Faculty Professional Development Grant for Multi-media Art Installation and Dance "Kagerou"
October 2008
Mesa State College Sterategic Planing Grant for acquiring aditional litho press for Art Department
May 2008
Mesa State College Faculty Professional Development Grant for Art Residecy at East Side Editions, San Francisco, California
June 2008
Zellerbach Family Foundation Community Arts Grant
June 2004
Centrum voor Grafiek Frans Masereel, Kasterlee, Belgium
August 1999
Kala Art Institute Fellowship Artist, Berkeley, California
May - December 1995
Murals of "Torres del Paine" Puerto Natales, Chile
September 1991
PUBLIC LECTURES

2021 Printmaking from DVC Art Department, Concord Arts Association May Meeting, Online 2019 Artist Talk, Gallery Hillgate, Kyoto, Japan 2018 Survey of Printmaking, Society for Asian Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA History of Print as Social Art, 45th Faculty Lecture, Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, California Artist Talk, Inclusions Gallery, San Francisco, California Artist Talk, Sonoma Community Center, Sonoma, California 2016 Artist Talk, Espacio Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico 2015 Gallery Hillgate, Kyoto, Japan 2012 Printmaking as Light and Shadow, Society for Asian Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA 2010 Guest Speaker, "Japanese American Art & Expression" by Betty Kano, San Francisco State University "Artist Response to Globalization" Four Corners Conference on Globalization, Mesa State College, Grand Junction, Colorado "Survey of Printmaking," El Cerrito Arts Association October meeting, El Cerrito Community Center, California 2009 "Art & Immigration," Four Corners Conference on Immigration, Mesa State College, Grand Junction, Colorado 2007 Newmark Gallery, San Francisco, California 2004 Simposium ŇArtistsŐ Influences in Multicultural WorldÓ, Meridian Gallery, San Francisco, California 2003 California State University Chico, Chico, California 2002 Malaspina Printmaking Society, Vancouver, Canada 1996 Kala Institute, Berkeley, California

PERMANENT COLLECTIONS
Achenbach Foundation of Graphic Arts, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, California
Machida Museum of Graphic Arts, Tokyo, Japan
Pomona College, Montgomery Gallery, California
Royal Museum of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Special Collection of Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, California
St Mary's Hospital, Grand Junction, Colorado
The Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, Colorado
Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
Diablo Valley College Library Permanent Collection, Pleasant Hill, California
Brooklyn Art Library, Brooklyn, New York
San Francisco State University Fine Art Department Collection
The Library Congress, Washington, DC
Alameda County Art Collection, Oakland, CaliforniaPROJECTS and COLLABORATION
2022 Ideal Engagements - A Risograph Portfolio, California Society of Printmakers with Zach Clark, National Monument Press
2014 Curated ŇNexus-Portfolio by Bay Area Etchers,Ó A SGC International SF Conference Exhibition at San Francisco State University
Curated ŇCalifornia Etchers Currents,Ó Diablo Valley College Art Gallery, Pleasant Hill, California
2012 Organized "Inked Surfaces" Diablo Valley College National Juried Exhibition of Prints
(juror, Archana Horsting) for fundraising to DVC Printmaking Area.
2009 "Pondering the Flight of Icarus," Robinson Theater, Mesa State College, Grand Junction, Colorado
"Entering," The Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, Colorado
2008 "KAGEROU" Multimedia Art Installation & Dance
(Collaborative event with Matthew Lindstrom, Inprovisational Dance)
BOOK ILLUSTRATION
2000 "Floating Lanterns & Golden Shrines" by Rena Krasno, Pacific View Press
(2001 Benjamin Franklin Award in the Category of Multicultural)
BIBLIOGRAPHY

2020 Capturing the 4th Dimension, The Journal of the California Society of Printmakers, 2020 issue 2018 California Printmakers exhibit at Center for the Arts open through October 7, Piedmont Post, September 26, 2018 issue 2017 Pinyon Spring 2017, Colorado Mesa University Language, Literature & Mass Communication 2015 Toru Sugita - Wandering, self-published via Lulu.com "Pushing Boundaries," Screen printing at The W.O.R.K.S, The California Printmaker 2015 issue 2012 "Exhibit showcases techniques of printmaking" Contra Costa Times, May 3 2012 issue 2011 "Two exhibits from Bay Area artists opening July 1" Grand Junction Free Press, July 24 2011 issue 2010 "Less Is More, Six artist slow down and simplify" by DeWitt Cheng, East Bay Express, July 21 2010 issue 2008 "Dance, visual arts merge in MSC professor's yard for symbolic event," Grand Junction Free Press, Oct. 27, 2008 "Visual Arts, dance merge to show fleeting existence" Grand Junction Free Press, October 24, 2008 issue 2006 TV Interview,ŇEphemeraÓat Mesa State College, KJCT 8 (NBC), October 2nd 2006 ŇArtistŐs work illuminate everyday scenes,Ó The Times, August 31, 2006 issue ŇInk and IdeaÓ ArtWeek, July/August, 2005 issue 2005 ZYZZYVA the last word: west coast writers & artists, Winter 2005 issue "The Collective Conscious: Artists and Patrons" 2005 SF Open Studios The Guide "Mary V. Marsh/Toru Sugita, reading/viewing: a new perspective,"ArtWeek, Feburary, 2005 issue 2003 Critic's Choice: Art 'Pastiche, an Exhibition of Cacophony,' San Francisco Bay Guardian July 16 issue "Calligraphy & Beyond," Diversity, Asian Pacific Heritage Month issue Art of Northern California, Alcove Books, Berkeley, California 2002 "Flashing": New Works by Hye-Kyung Kim and Toru Sugita, Preview, June~August 2002 issue 2000 "Angles and Light Star in Printmaking Exhibit," Merced Sun-Star, October 27 issue "People" Interview, Hokubei Mainichi June 3rd Issue (Japanese) 1999 Mon Plaza Interview, Monthly Mon June 1999 Issue (Japanese) 1998 Pro Arts 1999 Juried Annual Calender 1997 Toru Sugita & Lani Asher Interview, Kyoto Shinbun, Shiga Newspaper, June 11 issue (Japanese) 1996 The art of a holiday timeout, by Chiori Santiago, San Jose Mercury News December /22 issue DisOrient Jounarizine Volume 6 1990 Sagas Art Interview, Sagas Magazine April 1990 Issue

PROFFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
SGC International 2014 San Francisco Conference Steering Committee, (in charge of Membership Exchange Portfolio & Exhibition)
ArtSpan (member, board of directors, 2003 - 2006)
California Society of Printmakers (member, since 1997)
Graphic Arts Workshop (member, since 1997)
Los Angeles Printmakers Society (member, since 1997)

EXTENDED TRAVELS
Travel Column for Local Japanese news letter (Yifa Mate) & Monthly MON Magazine
May 1993 - March 1994 Traveled through Middle East and West Asia
May 1990 - November 1991 Traveled through United States and Latin America. Studied Spanish in Guatemala and Ecuador.

TEACHING EXPERIENCES
July 2013 - Present, Diablo Valley College Professor of Art (2D/Drawing and Printmaking)

August 2009 - June 2013, Diablo Valley College, Assistant Professor of Art (2D/Drawing and Printmaking)
August 2008, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Visiting Artist, A Printmaking Survey for Teens
May 2008, University of New Mexico Department of Art and Art History Visiting Artist, Printmaking: Light & Shadow
August 2007 - May 2009, Mesa State College, Grand Junction, Colorado, Assistant Professor of Art (Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking)
August 2006  - May 2007, Mesa State College, Grand Junction, Colorado, Full-time Lecturer in Department of Art (Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking)
January 2005 - August 2006, Solano Community College, Instructor (Oil/Acrylic Painting, Introduction to Drawing)
January 2004 - August 2006, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, Instructor (Etching to Graduate Division, Printmaking, Mixed Media Drawing & Painting, Fine Arts Department), Cultural Kaleidoscope program, Palo Alto Art Center, Artist-in-School (Escondido Elementary School/Charter Elementary School)
April 2003, Academy of Art College, San Francisco, Guest Artist (Wood Engraving Demonstration at Printmaking Department)
August 2001 - May 2003, San Francisco State University Fine Arts Department, Teaching Assistant, (Figure Drawing, Lithography, Relief Print)
May 2000 - April 2001, Creativity Explored of San Francisco (Substitute Art Teacher)
August 1999 - August 2005, Palo Alto Art Center Children's Art Program, Art Teacher (Black & White Drawing, Color Drawing)
September 1998 -June 2006, San Francisco Japanese Supplementary School, Teacher (Essay Writing & Japanese Literature)
August 1998 - August 2002, National Institute of Art and Disabilities (Substitute Art Teacher)
March 1998 - May 1998, San Francisco Unified School District, Art Teacher (Second Grade and Special Education at the Paul Revere Elementary School )
March 1997  San Francisco Art Institute, Guest Artist (Aquatint Demonstration at Printmaking Department)
May 1989 - March 1990. Kyoto University of Education Handicapped Children's School, Art Teacher (Junior High School Division)
TRANSMISSION GALLERY 
OAKLAND

​770 West Grand Ave., Suite A,
Oakland, CA 94612

​
Open Thurs-Sat, 12 to 5 pm
till 8 pm on the  first Friday of the month
​and by appointment

Accessibility:
This a 2nd floor art gallery, accessible by stairs.

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