Inside the camp experience

One of the more brilliant threads in California’s polycultural fabric has come from the contributions of its Japanese immigrants; the resilience and resolve of isei and nisei Americans—especially after their forced internment during World War II—is nothing short of remarkable. Henry Sugimoto (1900-1990) emigrated from Japan in the early 20th century; he studied art at CCAC in Oakland and was incarcerated at a camp in Arkansas during the War. There he continued to paint, and the pieces he produced reflected his experiences there. The Crocker Art Museum is showing 57 of those paintings through March 24. The Crocker is located at 216 O St.; it’s open from Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and stays open on Thursday until 9 p.m. Admission is $6 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students, and free for CAMA members and tykes six and under.