The Inspiring Legacy of Setsuko Nagasawa Kinslow and Her Journey from Wartime Japan to a New Life in Texas

The experiences of the nearly 45,000 Japanese women who immigrated to the United States as wives of American military servicemembers after World War II are explored in the exhibition Japanese War Brides: Across a Wide Divide from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). These young women left their homes to build lives within the complexities of postwar American society. Their experiences reshaped communities by challenging immigration laws and race relations. Japanese War Brides: Across a Wide Divide opens at IAM, a Smithsonian Affiliate on December 14, 2024. It will remain on view through April 6, 2025, before continuing to tour museums and cultural organizations across the United States through 2028. An opening reception is planned for Saturday, December 14, 2024, 1 – 3 p.m. Reception open to the public. The exhibition examines the lives of ordinary women living in extraordinary times, women who navigated the wide divide between the country of their birth and the country of their husbands. It was a divide of cultural, social and legal differences. The exhibition begins by examining how the lives of Japanese citizens and occupying American servicemen intertwined during the Allied Occupation of Japan between 1945 and 1952. It outlines the obstacles of U.S. laws banning Asian immigration and the push to change perceptions following WWII. The exhibition highlights how these women learned to be mid-century American housewives while preserving their cultures. It is a story as varied as their circumstances from geography and the race of one’s husband, to religion, work and career military or civilian life. Through touchscreen displays, visitors can explore a historical and cultural timeline highlighting significant dates relevant to Japanese war brides in both the U.S. and Japan. They can also hear personal accounts from Japanese women and their families that reflect on the themes of the bride schools, moving to the United States, marriage, parenting, identity and community. Videos showcase segments from 1950s films that helped shape expectations on both sides of the world. Films produced by Allied forces screened throughout Japan during the occupation period promoted American sentiments and values. While in the U.S., films and other media played a pivotal role in creating new stereotypes of Japanese people and Japanese women in particular. The arrival of these brides marked the largest women-only immigration event in U.S. history and, by 1960, had increased the population of Asian Americans in the U.S. by 10%. In contrast to other waves of immigrants, war brides did not settle in established immigrant communities with strong Japanese cultural roots. They lived in cities and towns, big and small, across America, often without familial, linguistic or cultural support networks. Not all women lived happy lives or had intact marriages, but many carved out meaningful lives in their communities despite formidable challenges. The exhibition draws upon the work of three daughters of Japanese war brides to better understand their mothers’ experiences. Through War Bride Experience Inc., Lucy Craft, Karen Kasmauski and Kathryn Tolbert collected oral histories of war brides and members of their families. Japanese War Brides features many of these voices that provide personal reflections on life in postwar Japan, their experience as new immigrants in the U.S. and their legacies. _______________ Japanese War Brides: Across a Wide Divide is a collaboration between SITES , the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and War Bride Experience Inc. The exhibition received federal support from the Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. Additional funding was provided by the Sachiko Kuno Philanthropic Fund.

Join Us at IAM for Docent-Led Tours on the First Sunday of Every Month at 2 pm! FREE ADMISSION & FREE TOUR!

Only on view through Sunday, January 5, 2025!

Discover Robert N. Batson’s latest exploration of abstract landscapes in Diptychs, Triptychs, and Other Experiments at Irving Archives and Museum through January 5, 2025! This new exhibition features works created by Batson between 2022 and 2024. These pieces continue his exploration of vibrant color, rich textures, and abstracted landscapes. Batson skillfully layers paints and chalk pastels to evoke atmospheric, landscape-inspired abstractions, with each work inviting viewers to experience his unique interplay of material and meaning. A must see for art lovers! About the Artist Robert N. Batson has lived in Irving since the age of two. He can't remember when he first started drawing and painting, but art has been a constant presence throughout his life. He attended Irving High School, where he studied art, graduating in 1965. Batson then studied architecture at Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1970. He became a licensed architect in 1974. The following year, in 1975, he received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Dallas, where he began exploring three central themes that continue to define his work: color, texture, and landscapes. Throughout his career, Batson has balanced practicing architecture and teaching both architecture and art history. Now retired, he exhibits his art at the Taos Artists Collective gallery in Taos, New Mexico, and the Fine Arts New Mexico gallery in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico. He also volunteers at the Irving Arts Center as a docent and participates in their family, youth, and teen programs. Batson has previously exhibited at the Irving Arts Center.

DON'T MISS THESE AMAZING STORE SALES Irving Archives & Museum and Mustangs Museum Stores HOSTING BIG SALES!

Irving Archives and Museum Showcases Exhibit on Irving Hospital History 60 Years of Healthcare: Honoring Our Legacy, Building Our Future

Cheer Couture: The Creation of an Icon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2024 Mustangs of Las Colinas 40th Anniversary Celebration: A 40-Day Tribute to an Iconic Masterpiece Irving, TX – The City of Irving and the Irving Department of Arts and Culture are excited to announce the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Mustangs of Las Colinas! This 40-day celebration is packed with events and activities to honor the legacy of this iconic sculpture and the life of its visionary creator, Robert Glen. The commemoration kicks off with a mayoral proclamation on August 29, 2024, and culminates in a grand finale celebration, "Sunset on the Plaza," on October 18, 2024, at 6 p.m. Celebration Highlights Include: August 29, 2024, 7 p.m. – Mayoral Proclamation The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Mustangs of Las Colinas will be officially announced with a special proclamation by the Mayor of Irving during the City Council meeting. September 9, 2024 – Launch of “Mustangs Memories” Online Collection To mark the beginning of "40 Days of Mustangs," beginning September 9, 2024 everyone is invited to experience the "Mustangs Memories" project. This meaningful endeavor features an online collection of 40 years of treasured memories submitted by people who have enjoyed the significance of this extraordinary work of art throughout their lives. Each day throughout the 40 days leading up to the event on October 18, 2024, new memories, photos, and stories highlighting the sculpture's impact over the past 40 years will be added to the “Mustangs Memories” online collection at www.mustangsoflascolinas.com and shared on social media. We invite and encourage the public to contribute their own “Mustangs Memories,” which will be preserved in the Mustangs of Las Colinas archives. For details and to submit your memories, visit www.mustangsoflascolinas.com. September 16 - October 5, 2024 – Horse Origami Street Art by Irving Public Library In celebration of the Mustangs of Las Colinas' 40th anniversary, the Irving Public Library invites the community to experience a unique and creative tribute! Teens from the library’s Young Adult Action Council are crafting intricate horse origami art, which will be assembled into a striking street art installation spelling out the word "READ." This captivating artwork will be displayed by the South Irving Library’s drive-thru window. The installation aims to be completed by October 5, 2024 and will remain on view throughout the anniversary celebrations, adding a literary twist to the city's anniversary festivities. Don’t miss this opportunity to see art and literacy come together in a visually stunning tribute! October 11, 2024, 2:30 p.m. – Equest Mini-Horse Ambassadors at South Irving Library Join us at the South Irving Library for a special event featuring the Equest Mini-Horse Ambassadors, part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Mustangs of Las Colinas. This heartwarming session will provide insight into Equest’s remarkable therapy work, showcasing how these gentle mini horses make a profound impact on the lives of those they serve. Following the presentation, attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet and greet these adorable ambassadors up close. It’s a perfect way to connect with the spirit of the Mustangs while learning about the incredible role these horses play in our community. October 18, 2024, 6 p.m. – Sunset on the Plaza The 40-day celebration culminates in a spectacular evening event at the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum and Visitor Center. In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Mustangs of Las Colinas, join us for "Sunset on the Plaza," a tribute to the spirit of Irving and the artistic genius of Robert Glen. This public event will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, remarks from distinguished guests, and a special sunset toast on the Plaza. About Robert Glen - The Artist Robert Glen, the artistic genius behind the Mustangs of Las Colinas, passed away on October 28, 2023. Glen's extraordinary talent as a sculptor and his dedication to African wildlife conservation are celebrated through his monumental works. His partner, Sue Stolberger, will attend the anniversary events, providing a personal connection to Glen’s enduring legacy. "Irving will forever cherish Robert Glen's contributions to our city's history, culture, and beauty," said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer. Media Contact: April Baker abaker@cityofirving.org 214-883-7421