Yuka believes that art is a great tool for communicating non-verbally, serving as a storyteller to both its viewers and its creators.

During her college years, Yuka encountered works of art created by people who survived extremely traumatic wartime experiences, which facilitated her desire to pursue art therapy. Yuka witnessed its restorative power first-hand when working as an art therapist with psychiatric patients, long term care residents, and adults with intellectual disabilities adults at various facilities.

After some years spent as a therapist, Yuka became more focused on being a full-time mother and a homemaker until her youngest child took off to college. When considering her life’s direction after an empty nest, she recalled how enjoyable it was to simply sit at a loom and weave in a studio or paint and draw small pieces in a quiet room. She started taking workshops and showing her art works at juried shows. Yuka is now creating art of her won and finding images that reflect her inner voice.

Education: BA: Hiroshima Jogakuin College, Hiroshima, Japan
MA in Art Therapy: Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

Experiences: Independent studio studies and workshops in Hiroshima, Japan as well as Albuquerque, NM and Sarasota, FL.

Exhibited paintings at juried shows : Art Center Sarasota (2015-2018), Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association (2019-2020), Florida Strawberry Festival (2020) Recipient of Merit Awards and Honorable Mentioned Awards from aforementioned shows.