Step into a world where poetry converges with art in our Haiku Exhibition, featuring a collaborative masterpiece crafted by talented artists inspired by the winning haiku of the previous year. Since 2006, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s Haiku Invitational has celebrated global poetic expression, drawing 16,000+ haiku submissions from over 40 countries. Judged by esteemed haiku poets, the competition spans six categories: Best Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, United States, International, and Youth, alongside Sakura Awards and Honourable Mentions.
In this exhibition, we proudly showcase winning haiku through commissioned pieces by Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Japanese-Canadian artists. Join us in this unique celebration, where the delicate beauty of words converges with the boundless creativity of artistic expression.
Dahlila Charlie
Coast Salish design. Her art reflects this, and though she loves to draw upon the traditional formline already present in her region, she’s also pushing to create something new and modern. Seeing the amazing colour and energy of the coast, she strives to bring that same vibrancy to her work, in a variety of mediums. For Dahlila, coast Salish art is about bringing stories to life through colour, line-work and creative expression. As an artist, she cherishes each opportunity to explore and express her culture in unique, captivating ways.
Eliot Oscar White-Hill
Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun (he/they) is an artist and storyteller from the Snuneymuxw First Nation. His family has roots in the Coast Salish world in Penelakut and in the Nuu Chah Nulth world in Hupacasath. His interdisciplinary art practice is rooted in honouring and celebrating the stories and teachings passed down by his family, community, and culture. He works across a range of mediums, including digital art, painting, sculpture, installation, creative writing, and curation. He currently resides on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.
Jackie Morisette
Jackie Morisette is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist from Saskatchewan, Canada, who works primarily with acrylics. Inspired by her mother’s impressionistic style, Morisette focuses on capturing simple moments of everyday life. Known for her landscapes, she aims to bring joy and beauty to others. Influenced by artists like Monet and Renoir, her work explores light and beauty, evolving into contemporary themes and mediums. Currently, she is exploring watercolors, murals, and digital art, with a focus on public art and community engagement.
Kaori Kasai
Hello! I’m Sleepless Kao, an illustrator and children’s book author who creates dreamy, nostalgic worlds in the quiet of the night. For the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, I illustrated artwork for the Haiku Exhibition—be sure to check it out! I’m also hosting a workshop booth at the festival’s Big Picnic, so come by and join the fun!
Nicole Larsen
I’m Nicole, a Vancouver-based muralist, artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Over the last decade I’ve cultivated a deep passion for art and creative expression, and am inspired by the moments, emotions and shared humanity that connects us all. Rooted in my Japanese Canadian heritage and my connection to nature, my work is characterized by bold, vibrant colours and joyful and uplifting imagery. I’m dedicated to fostering community through creativity, and using my art to spread joy and bring people together!
Sandra Sugimoto
Sandra Sugimoto was born and raised on the Pacific Coast, on the unceded and traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Her mixed media work often incorporates text, handmade papers, layered, textured surfaces, and materials found in nature. Currently, she is writing and illustrating a graphic memoir, generously supported by grants from the Canada Council and the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS). This work explores themes of family, memory, identity, social justice, resilience, and healing while weaving together perspectives and stories across four generations.