We are delighted to begin the new year with a new exhibition! This show brings together works that explore the potential of Taniai Kozo, a vintage washi made from kozo harvested on the upper slopes of Taniai in Kochi, Japan.

The artists are seasoned washi experimenters and devoted supporters of Heritage Washi such as Taniai, following a papermaking tradition that spans more than 1,400 years.

Taniai Kozo Heavy

The Washi Sisters met in response to a call for submissions and exhibition at Propeller Art Gallery in Toronto in 2019.

"The Promise of Sekishu Washi" was a joint project of Propeller and The Japanese Paper Place. A juried group show, it aimed to introduce artists to Sekishu Banshi Tsuru, a traditional Japanese paper that has been made consistently for over 1000 years with great potential for artists. Five of the current Washi Sisters — Sharon Dembo, Sharron Forrest, Dominique Prévost, Noriko Yamamoto, and Susan Ruptash — had already been using Japanese papers in their work for some time and were keen to learn more about washi and its possibilities for expression.

Barbara Bresver and Victoria Cowan were visitors to the exhibition. Barbara could not stop thinking about the positive feelings elicited by the combined works. She felt a kinship with whoever made the art that moved her so much. Sharing her experience with others, she referred to them as her Washi Sisters. She, too, wanted to learn more, and connect with artists who had done these memorable works. Victoria had already been using Japanese papers in her teaching, but was interested in being part of the group that was forming around digging deeper.

The core Washi Sisters had been given birth.

Over the years since, the group of seven, which now includes long-time dedicated washi user Loree Ovens, has been meeting every few months to explore the properties of different papers and techniques in various settings. Many of these artists — Sharon, Sharron, Dominique, Loree, and Noriko — have taken their creative washi works to other groups and solo shows, spreading the contagious and exciting potential of washi far and wide, including many shows at Propeller.

For this exhibition, invited guest Nick Hamilton, a talented member of The JPP staff, joins the sisters!

What a great pleasure it has been to travel alongside these positive women who say "yes" to opportunities for creative growth as they arise; like this show at The JPP, "Getting to Know Taniai Kozo", putting this excellent aged Heritage Washi to use in myriad ways. Now, for your viewing pleasure...

Nancy Jacobi
Founder
The Japanese Paper Place

Come and experience their discoveries with this exceptional material, on view at The Japanese Paper Place.

BOOGIE I by Sharon Dembo

Affinity by Susan Ruptash

Participating Artists:

Barbara Bresver
Victoria Cowan
Sharon Dembo
Sharron Corrigan Forrest
Loree Ovens
Dominique Prevost
Susan Ruptash
Noriko Yamamoto
+ JPP guest Nick Hamilton

Header image: Newfoundland Shoreline #2 by Sharron Corrigan Forrest

---

Getting to Know Taniai Kozo

Date & Time:
Monday, January 5 – Friday, January 30, 2026

Pre-Christmas Review
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
10:00AM-4:30PM

Opening Reception
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
3:00PM-5:00PM

Location: The Japanese Paper Place (103 The East Mall, Unit 1, Toronto)