Client: J-Sei
Fabrication: www.colortoneinc.com

J-sei is a multi-generational and multi-cultural organization that has its roots in Nikkei values and culture. The organization undertook a capital campaign to expand its services and to establish a permanent home in Emeryville. This donor wall honors the contributions of everyone who made this campaign a success.

Colors and materials of the wall reflect the elements of the building’s interior.  The dark-colored textile-like background incorporates sashiko stitching which, while decorative, is also used to improve durability. The sashiko stitching literally strengthens the fabric much like nikkei culture and values are the fabric of the community that pull diverse parts together and make it stronger. The traditional shippou pattern, popular in premodern Japan, is an auspicious design often associated with celebrations and hopes of impending luck and fortune.

J-Sei’s strength comes from the diversity of everyone who supports it. This diversity is reflected in its mix of donors—companies, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, families and individuals, young and old—and all have given to the best of their ability. By designing the donor wall in a non-hierarchical fashion, with all levels of donors interwoven, the wall reflects this diversity and connection and honors the varied ways in which donors have contributed to make J-Sei’s home a reality.