Why Nisei?
Nisei (Nee - Say) is a person born in the US or Canada whose parents immigrated from Japan. In other words, second-generation Japanese-Americans or Canadians. The gallery adopted the name due to the subject matter of the mural discovered within the space and Fort Ritchie's involvement in WW2.
The Nisei Gallery is a unique retail and gallery experience that holds and preserves "The Nisei Mural" which, until recent findings, was speculated to be painted by Nobuo Kitagaki (1918 - 1984) — an established artist in the San Francisco area.
The Artisan Village at Nisei Gallery showcases work from local artists who are masters of their craft. Some of these skills are taught in the gallery's studio, while the central gallery space holds art exhibitions that rotate every few months.
Recently, blueprints from 1959 were found that showed plans to use the building as a pottery shop. This could be another potential explanation for why the famous Nisei Mural might have been painted and preserved.
​
While the elusive mystery behind the mural's origins continues to unfold, we hope to honor the building's history and artistic origins through the gallery.
More Information
Artisan Village
The Artisan Village is The Nisei Gallery's space for hand made works where local artisans can sell and display their wares.
Exhibition Oportunities
The Nisei Gallery requests art submissions for rotating monthly exhibitions as a unique opportunity to display local artwork within the historic setting.
The Nisei Studio
The Nisei Gallery Studio is a maker's space where artists can hone their craft and try new mediums without having to worry about initial investment in equipment, etc.
