End Of Summer, the innovative artist program founded in 2016 by the late Matt Jay is moving to a new home. Stay tuned for the location and an outline of its expanded vision and program. This dynamic cross-cultural artist residency program for emerging artists, connecting the Pacific Northwest and Japan through art, nature and community will be expanding its presence in the world. Matt Jay’s dream of an ever-evolving concept to support new artists has never been more important than today. Join us as a new End Of Summer begins.
The Beginning
Culture with a personal touch
In 2016, Matt Jay founded End Of Summer, the innovative cross-cultural art program and artist residency which recruits young contemporary artisits of Japan to live, learn and create for the month of August each year in the Pacific Northwest and Portland, Oregon.
The program also features an outstanding guest lecturer series open to the public.
End of Summer grew in both stature and impact as each year, young Japanese artists would return home earning invitations to be published and show at galleries, museums and exhibitions as well as winning top awards for contemporary art.
Matt, suddenly passed away on November 22, 2022 due to unforeseen health complications.
End Of Summer friends and family have been working on the next evolution of the program in order for Matt’s vision to move to the next level of engagement. He had bigger dreams for End Of Summer
Sayaka Ohata working in the studio.Artists visiting Publication Studios in 2016.The groups gained additional inspiration from a series of international guest speakers from academia, art and leading institutions of creativity.
Each year, the local artists of Portland exchanged ideas with their counterparts from Japan.
Yukie Kamiya's lecture in 2016.Japanese artists for 2016 at BBQ hosted by a local artist.Masumi Kawamura speaking with a local artist.“End of Summer is in many ways a continued evolution of the basic impulse to share this place with others, and have an experience together in a fixed amount time.”
— Matt Jay
Artists prepping for the final exhibition.The next chapter of End Of Summer begins in 2026 with introductory events in Portland, Japan and other locations in the world.
“I care as much about who an artist is as an individual in the world as I do the result of their work.”
—Matt Jay
Matt Jay
May 29, 1987–Nov 22, 2022
Matthew C Jay, founder of End Of Summer passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2022. He was passionate about Portland and its place in the world of art and creativity. He worked tirelessly, drawing inspiration from all the artists who grew so much from Matt’s love and support. His vision for a more diverse, creative and equitable world will be a driving force of this next chapter of End of Summer at the Japan Institute.
Give Support Now
Discover and nurture the next generation of artists of the Pacific Northwest and Japan.
The next phase of End Of Summer will be an exciting expansion of Matt Jay’s vision for enhancing opportunities for emerging artists and the exchange of ideas between East and West.
Matt’s dream of building a global community, whose collective goal was to create an empathetic place for all of us to grow through art, self-expression and cultural exchange of ideas remains our mission.
Matt was a visionary force and not so easy to replicate or replace. But his family plus very loyal friends, associates and collaborators are helping to continue his dream and pave forward a new direction. Matt was never for resting on past laurels. End of Summer is currently working with the Jay Family’s personal foundation,
Art J Foundation to outline its new direction and leadership. The priorities remain the same, to identify and inspire a new generation of contemporary artist from Japan and immerse them into new artistic experiences, environments and communities in the world. The focus on building East/West communities of artists and creative people remains the key direction.
If you would like to support the vision of Matt Jay in this very difficult moment in humanity. We hope to bring a new wave of exciting people to share their ideas and to help raise the funds necessary for this important transition.
The world is a very difficult place today and our humanity is at stake. Please join us and Matt as we strive to make the world a better place.
Respectfully,
John C Jay
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