There are talented people in all walks of life.

It is rare however for someone of exceptional talent to have a willingness to share, teach and unselfishly nurture others. Artists in the Parker community are fortunate to have such an accomplished and humble man as Tadashi Hayakawa in our midst.

Tadashi was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1941. Leaving his family to become independent at the age of 19, he came to Los Angeles as a foreign student to study art. In 1969 he received a M.F.A. degree from the Otis Art Institute. While a student Tadashi married and the birth of his daughter was to, eventually, exert a powerful influence on his work.

He became a U.S. citizen in 1971. Over the years he experimented and took part in many gallery exhibitions and events. "But" he says, "I slowly moved away from fine art to commercial art - from a Bohemian lifestyle to owning my own business and a more materialistic life."

Tadashi's list of accomplishments and exhibits both locally and internationally is remarkable. At the age of 50, he began to look deeply within and found the need to express himself and focus fully on who he is and what he cares about. He once again immersed himself in the world of fine art, experimenting, creating and developing. Ultimately this change in vision was to bring him to Colorado where his influence on those around him has been inestimable.

Moving from Los Angeles to Parker in 2003, Tadashi Hayakawa joined the young and growing Parker Artists Guild (PAG). He devotes many hours each week to teaching, encouraging and mentoring local artists.

He regularly gives seminars and workshops, refusing to charge a fee, that have resulted in notable improvements in the quality of art produced by his students and fellow guild members. He has purchased many works of art, both fine art and photography, at local exhibits, donating some to the Town of Parker in recognition of the talent in the parker community.

His particular passion is working with children of all ages in developing their innate creativity and helping them grow artistically. Over the last few years, Tadashi has worked with the coordinator of Parker's Mainstreet Center facility and has arranged shows of art from several local elementary school classes.

In February, with the encouragement of Eagle Crest High School art teacher Lisa Adams, he will be showcasing the art of Eaglecrest students. The photograph shows Tadashi and facility coordinator Denise Zoglmann reviewing some of the remarkable art that will be shown in this exhibit.

Tadashi will be devoting many hours to setting up this student exhibit which will be open for public viewing at the Mainstreet Center through the month of February. An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, February 6th from 6 - 8 p.m. This will be held concurrently with the opening of PAG's "Four Seasons" show. Tadashi's entry to this show and the work of other PAG members are shown here. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

For more information about Tadashi Hayakawa's art and biography, go to www.tadashihayakawa.com. For information about art programs at Parker Mainstreet Center call 303-805-7728. Parker Artists Guild information can be obtained from their website at www.parkerartistsguild.com.