Our Mr. Matsura Film Showing Oct. 4th

[ShaferMuseum]

Don't miss this feature documentary film!


Our Mr. Matsura, is the story of photographer Frank Matsura who journeyed from his native Japan to live in rural Washington State in the early 1900s. There he embedded himself in a community of Native people and homesteaders, including cowboys, ranchers, miners, fruit growers, shopkeepers, small business owners and other local movers and shakers. In the short time he had in the Okanogan, he became one of the area’s leading photo-chroniclers and, arguably, its most beloved citizen.
Matsura created a body of work that transcended mere documentation of his adopted home. He depicted, with obvious warmth and personal connection, the diverse peoples of this remote place. In addition, he often extended this creative exploration into surprising visual collaborations with area people that frequently played with costumes and gender roles.


More than 4000 Matsura photos survive today. Much of his portfolio is a striking departure from the staid portraits we associate with early 20th century photography. It expands on and challenges the better-promoted narratives of the American West. The work raises questions about representation and reinvention, life in a transitional time in a so-called “borderland,” gender roles in these spaces, and the very notion of community.


Our Mr. Matsura presents a picture of the “frontier” that departs from the existing popular culture narrative and celebrates the singular contribution of a community-building immigrant artist in America.


Our Mr. Matsura Film Screening
Saturday, Oct. 4th
Doors open at 6pm
Film starts at 7pm
Winthrop Red Barn
51 St. Rte. 20 Winthrop, WA 98862


Admission is free, but please show support by offering a donation for the Okanogan County Historical Society at the door. This event is hosted by the Shafer Museum

[ShaferMuseum]

Did you read the Twisp column in last week's MV News? Michelle Schmidtke wrote about this beautiful film and inspiring man - if you're intrigued, come see it here in the Methow on Saturday!

The Shafer Museum is a part of the Okanogan County Historical Society, and we're so pleased to host the showing of this film.

*Our Mr. Matsura*
@The Winthrop Barn
Doors open at 6:00
Film starts at 7:00

The trailer is on YouTube and on the Shafer's website.

Please make a donation at the door - proceeds will go to the Wilson Research Center at the Okanogan Museum, which hosts 2500 of Frank Matsura's photographs, which, thanks to an Icicle Foundation grant, you can view online! But the original old photos need continual climate monitoring and care, which is pricey - please help preserve them for the future.

See you Saturday evening!
Suzanne Perin, Aaron Naumann & the Shafer Museum volunteers