September 1st was the last day of the summer session. For three days before things were far from normal as we juggled ferry schedules, art sites and events in response the tempestuous weather brought by an approaching typhoon that could not make up its mind where to go. Yet morale among the artists, staff and Koebitai volunteers remained high throughout. The storm undoubtedly disrupted plans for many on this last weekend and for that we are truly sorry. We did the best we could to make sure visitors could see most of the works.

Closing events were held at many sites on the last day. In Takamatsu, the day was commemorated by the closing of Bengal Island and an auction of the wares made by the Bengali artisans. The previous day a launching ceremony was held for the Setouchi Tenmasen, a Japanese cargo boat by Douglas Brooks and Koji Matono. Having spent over a month building the boat on Bengal Island, interacting and developing friendships with those they met, the team had a great turnout and a very warm and joyous ceremony. Everyone did a great job. Twelve canoes were brought from the Shimanto River district as well. (It took them until 3 in the morning to get here.)

I am writing this at midnight, September 1st, while farewell parties are still going strong and many different groups are gathering, such as the Koebitai volunteers and the Bengal Island crew. Tomorrow we will start removing the summer sites and preparing artworks and sites for the autumn session. Shamijima in spring, Ibukijima in summer have both come and gone. It was a hot summer. October in Setouchi is special. Let’s meet again when the leaves begin to turn beautiful colors.