Interested in a Hokusai lecture for your organization or group? Follow the link below to request a talk by Diana Martinez, Director of the McAninch Arts Center, or Justin Witte, Director/Curator of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art. A representative will contact you once your request is received. Cost is $250

About the talk:
Hokusai and the Art of Edo: A Glimpse into Japanese Masterpieces

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated Hokusai and Ukiyo-e Art Show premiering this summer at the College of DuPage. Learn about the design and curation of this groundbreaking exhibition, which features 50 original ukiyo-e works never before seen in the United States, including nine iconic pieces by the legendary artist Katsushika Hokuasai. 

The talk will explore the rich history of the Edo period, Hokusai's artistic journey, and the exhibition’s original and interactive elements, including an Edo-style walk-through printshop, a Japanese-inspired garden, and a children's area with an engaging anime experience. Learn about the collaborative efforts behind this monumental showcase and how it celebrates Japanese culture while fostering community engagement and education. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the fascinating story about bringing these world-class masterpieces to DuPage County and the creative vision shaping this extraordinary exhibition.

Get Involved!

Diana Martinez is the Executive Director of Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World and the Director of the McAninch Arts Center. Diana has over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, having directed over 40 musical theatre productions. She has also led iconic Chicago-area entertainment organizations such as Pheasant Run Theatre, the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, and The Second City in Chicago. Diana served on the board of the Chicago Cultural Council for two terms and holds a BFA from the University of Illinois. Currently, she serves on the Board of the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, is Chair of Arts DuPage, serves on the board of the DuPage Foundation, and is a lifelong resident of Glen Ellyn.

Justin Witte is the Director and Curator of the Cleve Carney Art Gallery. He was the former exhibition manager at Columbia College Chicago and has worked at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia. Witte received his MFA in Studio Art from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a past recipient of the Pew Fellowship for painting.