From Tokyo to 95033

Lifetime mountain community member Christina Lopp Schwabecher has been living in Tokyo, Japan, with her husband and two children, for the past nine years. During that time, the family learned about Japan and Japanese culture. Lopp’s children grew up and graduated from high school there. Her youngest son Julian, who left Loma Prieta Elementary after third grade, graduated from The American School in Japan in May, 2026.

During her time in Tokyo, Lopp studied several Japanese art forms: Shodo, Japanese calligraphy; Sumi-e, Japanese ink drawing; Nihonga, Japanese painting; and most recently Mokuhanga, woodblock printing. Learning about these techniques, and how to create traditional Japanese art materials, led to a rich cultural experience.

With both kids about to be in college, Lopp returned this summer to her beautiful mountain home, but with a new perspective. Lopp’s first solo art show, Too Many to Ignore, premiered at Hiroshige Gallery in Tokyo in May. It featured themes of the power of the feminine. She used many of the techniques she has learned over the years. She turned her attention to another dimension of gathering—what she describes as a “field of presence,” where collectivity transcends shared physical space.

Inspired by the quiet spirit of the folk toy-turned-collector’s item, kokeshi dolls, she introduces these feminine figures as recurring motifs—icons of memory, care, and continuity. Their presence draws attention to feminine stories often overlooked, asking what it means to be seen, held, and remembered.

A selection of Lopp’s artwork will be on display at Skyland Community Church’s Whitaker Hall Sundays throughout August, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Whitaker Hall is at 25100 Skyland Road. Lopp will feature work she has created since her solo show, contemplating connections across the Pacific Ocean: From Izu to Santa Cruz.

You can meet Christina and view the live performance of a large brush painting at the opening on Friday, August 7, at Whitaker Hall, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Small works will be available for purchase. To RSVP or for more information, email christina@lopp.

com or just show up.