Matsuoka passed away on August 26 of this year. In honor of this great legend, the exhibit will be extended to January 15, 2014. The exhibit spans more than 70 years of Matsuoka's life and gives guests a rare glimpse into the man behind the drawings. It features more than 60 pieces of art from his personal collection, along with original drawings, sketches, photographs, and other artifacts. His drawings, from illustrations of local sports and community figures to his acclaimed depictions of the Japanese American incarceration experience in his book, Poston Camp II, Block 211, have touched hearts all over the world. The Watsonville native was obviously born to draw, especially as a teen during WWII when he illustrated his experience of living in an internment camp in Poston, Arizona.

Although his work was sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes humorous, it was always honest and heartfelt. Matsuoka became one of the few Nisei cartoonists awarded membership to the prestigious National Cartoonist Association. He's also a decorated veteran, having received a Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the MIS. Many remember his work from numerous Bay Area publications, including the now extinct Hokubei Mainichi, San Francisco Examiner, San Mateo Times, and San Jose Mercury News. We encourage you to come see Jack's life and accomplishments as seen through his eyes.

JAMsj extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jack Matsuoka. This larger-than-life character will be forever remembered. Thank you for everything that you did, Jack -- we'll miss you.

The museum is open every week, Thursday through Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. We're located in the heart of Japantown, at 535 North 5th Street, San Jose, California. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.jamsj.org/