Local Artist/Designer’s Internment Camp

MY FAMILY / HISTORY / FUTURE

Canyon Country Designer’s Show is Held at Her Father’s Namesake — The Takeda Science Center

By Trevor Morgan Signal Staff Writer

Arts and sciences are usually thought of as being completely separate, especially at the collegiate level.

However, a recent joint event held in the Don Takeda Science Center at College of the Canyons’ Canyon Country campus, put an “A” (art) in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), creating STEAM.

The event featured a microbiology-themed scavenger hunt with an art exhibit by artist Phoebe Takeda.

If Phoebe’s last name rings a bell, that’s because her father, Don Takeda, is the building’s namesake and is also a long-time science professor at COC. The event was a testament of the Takeda family, celebrating not only the successes of Don’s contributions to science and education but also Phoebe’s successes in telling the stories of her family through her art.

Ryan Thuele, vice president of COC’s Canyon Country campus, said having the duo highlighted at this event was a perfect metaphor for what COC is trying to accomplish.

“We were very excited tonight to showcase… Phoebe Takeda, who was someone with an artistic flair, but also, you know, raised by and inculcated in science by the amazing Dr. Don Takeda,” said Thuele. “And so we thought tonight would be a lovely opportunity to showcase her artistic side concurrently with some of our students who are also showcasing what they’ve learned in the classrooms.”

Don called the entire experience an honor, saying that incorporating art into STEM, especially his daughter’s, is critical to the department’s success.

“You can’t just be science alone… to make things much more full, you have to have the arts, you have to have the arts and humanities,” said Takeda. “And I’m glad that she finished up with this exhibit of not only the fashion design, but also the meaning behind her work.”

Phoebe used her background in fashion design and art to create a body of work that focuses on personal narratives and social issues. “My Family/ History/Future” brings to light the experiences of her family following Executive Order 9066, which forced more than 100,000 Japanese-Americans into internment camps during World War II.

“That certainly is something that people have to be aware of and continually stay on top of,” said Don. “So, you know, this is really important for me to see her do this, and I’m very proud to be able to present this here.”

Artist and fashion designer Phoebe Takeda in front of some of her kimonos she created for her exhibit. PHOTO BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL