Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum Hosts Exhibition Marking Anniversary of Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University opens the exhibit, "Harmony of Nature and Art" marking the 30^th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Florida and Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

"As we commemorate the 30^th anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State agreement, the relationship between our two nations continues to flourish," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "Florida is proud to partner with the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum on the third and final stop of the traveling collection after exhibitions at the Florida Capitol's 22^nd Floor Art Gallery and at Atlantic Center for the Arts."

"The 30-year cultural agreement between Wakayama and the State of Florida is a testament to the power of long-term international partnerships said Miriam Machado, Interim Director at the Frost Art Museum, FIU. We see this collaboration as an opportunity to enrich education, create cultural exchanges, and prepare students to thrive in a global society. Together, this milestone reflects our shared commitment to building bridges that foster learning, mutual respect, and lasting community connections."

This exhibition showcases various forms of artwork by artists from Florida and Japan, including traditional Noh masks by master carver Hakuzan Kubo, netsuke miniature sculptures from the Frost Art Museum collection, and paintings by the Florida Highwaymen.

Organized by the Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, the exhibition is made possible through generous loans from the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University, the Morikami Museum, the University of West Florida, the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society, private collectors, and The Florida Department of State.

The State of Florida and Wakayama Prefecture signed an agreement for a Sister State relationship on October 4, 1995, with the commitment to strengthen friendship and understanding, focusing on trade, the economy, and social and cultural development. The cultural exchanges between Wakayama and the State of Florida remain one of the most significant parts of the Sister State Agreement.

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About the Division of Arts and Culture

The Florida Department of State's Division of Arts and Culture is Florida's legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, education, access and economic vitality for Florida's communities. For more information, visit DOS.FL.gov/cultural.