Minnesota artists in Japan: update

Just a quick and happy update to say that ceramic artist Kelly Cox is doing just fine, according to friends who've communicated with her on Facebook. Apparently the island she and her husband were on was far enough away from both the earthquake and the resulting Tsunami to leave them unscathed.

Facebook and Twitter are alive this morning with reports of the massive earthquake and Tsunami that has hit Japan, killing at least 1,000 people.

It turns out two major groups representing the Minnesota arts scene are currently in Japan; a delegation of 23 people from the Walker Art Center and the cast of Ordway's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" which includes more than 20 Minnesota performers.

Both groups were in Tokyo when the earthquake hit, not far from the epicenter of the 8.9 earthquake. But according to representatives of both groups, everyone has been accounted for and is safe.

The Walker Art Center tour is a standard patron tour, including board members, donors, and some staff, headed by Director Olga Viso. The cast of "Joseph" is in Japan for what was to be a two-week tour.

Not yet accounted for is local ceramic artist Kelly Cox, who is backpacking on an island off the coast of Japan.

Have any news of Minnesota artists in Japan? Let us know and we'll update accordingly.

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