How to go
What: “The Life and Art of Kazuko Radtke”
Where: Robert & Elaine Stein Galleries, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn
When: Today is the last day for this short-term show.
More Info: (937) 775-2978
www.wright.edu/artgalleries
Local artist Kazuko “Kaz” Radtke of Bellbrook died at the age of 80 on Jan. 21 of this year after a long illness. The respected artist and sculptor was a longtime member of the Dayton Printmakers Cooperative. She created art for more than 50 years, and the combined power of that creativity is on view today at the Robert & Elaine Stein Gallery at Wright State University.
The two-story gallery is filled with the art and life of Radtke. Her son, Ed Radtke, is a well-known local filmmaker who now resides in Austin, Texas. He created original video installations showing his mother taking trips and learning how to swim in a friend’s pool.
“She had a medical condition called sarcoidosis. It is an auto-immune disease that slowly took away her ability to walk,” said Ed Radtke. “She used swimming as therapy to keep her lower body strong.”
This show engages many senses, and viewers are encouraged to sit Japanese style on the floor to see the films. Yama Radke, her 17-year-old grandson who lives in Hawaii, learned the art of folding paper from her, and he created an origami mobile in her honor. Visitors can also create their own origami birds to take home with them.
Of course, this exhibit showcases Radtke’s printmaking skills more than anything else. One of her recent prints was sold at the DVAC 2013 Art Auction.
“Printmaking became a focus of her work because she enjoyed being part of the collective, with lots of comraderie and shared experiences,” said Ed Radtke, who has an older sister, Yumi Kawano of Hawaii, and younger brother, John Radtke of Lebanon, Ohio.
Part of that shared experience was her involvement in the Dayton/Kyoto International Print Exchange during 2003-04 that was shown at Wright State. Each of the twelve DPC artists who participated in that exhibit had to make two copies of each print. The sister prints were shown at the TOBE Gallery in Kyoto, Japan.
“So nice to remember Kaz surrounded by her art, her voice, and chirping birds,” wrote longtime friend and fellow printmaker Sherraid Scott in the gallery guestbook.
Kaz met Jim Radtke in Tokyo in 1959 while he was in the Air Force. She moved to the U.S. with him after they married in 1961. Scott had lived in Japan for thirty years, so they shared a love for Japanese culture.
Although Radtke wasn’t much for self promotion, the Sugar Maple Festival in Bellbrook chose her design for its commemorative plate series. She was a DVAC member, and exhibited there often.
“She was a character. She just always was very supportive of the co-op and always said what was on her mind,” said fellow printmaker Kathryn Pitstick. “She was a skilled printmaker and a delightful lady who had a passion for the arts.”
This show is co-sponsored by Wright State University, Dayton Visual Arts Center, and The Collaboratory. Selected Radtke works are on sale on the second floor of the gallery, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit DVAC and The Collaboratory. Ed Radtke would like to thank Scott, gallery coordinator Tess Cortes, and artist Migiwa Orimo for their help in putting this show together.
About the Author