Yukari Sakura
b. 1989, San Francisco ∙ CE artist since 2011
Photo by Evguenia Shtill
Yukari Sakura is a book of wisdom when it comes to her favorite subjects. Ask her about what she likes, and she will go into great detail about the given topic. Animated and expressive, Sakura's artwork is an accurate representation of her personality.
“I have been drawing since I was 3 years old," Sakura says. "I draw things that I like. I make stories with the things I draw." Gathering inspiration from mythological tales, animated films, video games, heroes, daily life, and historical events, Sakura works primarily with watercolor, colored pencils, and paint. She also creates animations based on animals and their environments, writing out what she calls “documents” and then basing subsequent drawings off her research.
Support This Artist
This youth-sized long-sleeve t-shirt featuring art from Yukari Sakura is part of a product collection created especially for The World's Largest Dinosaurs exhibit at California Academy of Sciences.
Relaxed fit for superior comfort.
Double-needle stitched throughout for durability.
Made with US-grown cotton, supporting American farmers.
Color: Mint green.
Fit: Youth, unisex t-shirt with relaxed fit.
Material: 100% US grown, ring spun cotton.
Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Consider line drying to conserve natural resources.
Made with American-grown cotton and vintage washed for extra softness, this youth t-shirt from California Academy of Sciences is also durable and well-constructed. Perfect for young dino enthusiasts, the short-sleeved tee features art from Yukari Sakura and is part of a product collection created especially for The World's Largest Dinosaurs exhibit.
Vintage washed for softness.
Side-seamed for a better fit.
Color: Deep forte blue.
Fit: Youth, unisex t-shirt. Side-seamed for retail fit.
Material: 100% US grown ring spun cotton.
Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Consider line drying to conserve natural resources.
Featuring art from Yukari Sakura, this unisex tee is part of a product collection created especially for The World's Largest Dinosaurs exhibit at California Academy of Sciences.
With premium features such as ring spun cotton for softness and a ribbed set-in collar which helps keep its shape, you’ll appreciate the quality of this custom designed t-shirt.
Vintage-washed and garment-dyed for a retro look and feel.
Made with sustainably sourced USA grown cotton.
Enzyme-washed for ultimate softness.
Double-needle cover stitching throughout provides superior stretchability.
Color: Concrete grey.
Fit: Adult, unisex crew neck t-shirt.
Material: 100% US-grown cotton.
Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. Consider washing in cold-water and line drying to conserve natural resources.
Set of eight blank cards with white envelopes, includes two each of four designs, 4.5 × 6.25 inches
Featuring artwork by
The Land of Imaginaria by Yukari Sakura, 2019
acrylic on paper, 15 x 21.5 inches
(YS2026_004a)
Presley's Mango and Pineapple Sunshine Cream Pie by Yukari Sakura, 2016
acrylic on particle board, 20 x 24 inches
(Yukari Sakura 9709)
This 100% peach-washed cotton cap with dual embroidery features art from Yukari Sakura on the front and the logo for California Academy of Sciences on the side. It is part of a product collection created especially for The World's Largest Dinosaurs exhibit – an ideal way to support the Academy while updating your look.
With an antique brass tri-glide buckle closure for easy adjustability, this unstructured, six panel low-profile cap looks great on everyone, and the grey color is easy to match with whatever you are wearing.
Pre-curved visor for that already broken-in look!
Premium tri-glide buckle closure – looks great and is easy to adjust.
Dark navy fabric in the under-visor helps reduce glare.
Color: Grey, with navy under visor.
Material: 100% peach-washed cotton.
Fit: One size fits most adults, adjustable.
Measures: Hat size: 6 5/8 - 7 3/8; crown height: 3 1/4".
This cozy hooded sweatshirt featuring art from Yukari Sakura is part of a product collection created especially for The World's Largest Dinosaurs exhibit at California Academy of Sciences.
With a jersey-lined hood and dyed-to-match twill drawcord, you’ll love the premium details of this unique hoodie.
Ribbed cuffs and waistband.
Enzyme-washed for ultimate softness.
Double-needle cover stitching throughout provides superior stretchability.
Color: Cypress green.
Fit: Adult, unisex hooded sweatshirt.
Material: 80% US-grown cotton, 20% polyester.
Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. Consider washing in cold-water and line drying to conserve natural resources.
Featuring art from Yukari Sakura, this unique water bottle is part of a product collection created especially for The World's Largest Dinosaurs exhibit at California Academy of Sciences.
The threaded lid has a cork look, adding a touch of natural beauty, making this bottle not just functional but also stylish. The double-wall 18/8 stainless-steel bottle with copper vacuum insulation keeps liquids hot or cold for hours, and the slim design fits easily in your car’s cupholder, perfect for staying hydrated while on the go.
Insulated bottle keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
Spill-proof cap and slim design make it perfect for traveling.
Refillable bottles are eco-friendly!
Materials: Stainless steel with copper insulation.
Capacity: 20 oz.
Measures: 10.3125″ h x 2.5″ base x 1.8125″ top.
Care: Hand wash.
This reusable tote bag featuring art from Yukari Sakura is part of a product collection created especially for The World's Largest Dinosaurs exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences.
Terrific for carrying around your essentials or to use to corral project materials, this colorful tote bag has a medium gusset, long handles and a zipper to keep your things secure.
Measures: 16.5” x 16.5” x 3”.
Material: Heavy-duty polyester.
The March of the Three Sauropods by , 2023
acrylic on paper, 11.25 x 15 inches
(YUSakura_7953-51)
Five Dinosaurs and a Flat-Shelled Turtle, 2023
acrylic on paper, 11.25 x 15.25 inches
(YUSakura_7951-49)
Mr. Iwata's Nintendo Gamer's Hat Cream Cake by Yukari Sakura , 2015
acrylic on paper, 9 x 12 inches
(YUSakura_4947-60)
Keiko and Willy's Orca Pie by , 2014
Acrylic on paper, 12 x 9 inches
(YUSakura_4926-39)
Sadakis Gilden Crane with Crystal Wings by , 2022
acrylic on paper, 15 x 11.25 inches
(YUSakura_3507-17)
The Turquoise Blue Pheasant by Yukari Sakura, 2014
acrylic on paper, 8.5 x 11 inches
(YUSakura_2424-103)
My Three Robo-chi Pets by Yukari Sakura, 2018
acrylic on paper, 10.25 x 18 inches
(YUSakura_5412-69)
My Favorite Anime Cake of Love by Yukari Sakura, 2015
acrylic on paper, 9 x 12 inches
(YUSakura_4946-59)
The Lunar New Year Qilin by Yukari Sakura, 2023
acrylic on paper, 8.5 x 11 inches
(YUSakura_4937-50)
The Dragon Spirits of Black and White by Yukari Sakura, 2015
acrylic on paper, 8.5 x 11 inches
(YUSakura_8418-120)
Written on back by artist: Quote: “These two dragons are inspired by two movies. The black (western) dragon represents Maleficent from ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and the white (eastern) dragon represents Haku from ‘Spirited Away.’”
The Silver Koala by Yukari Sakura, 2020
acrylic on paper, 21 x 29 inches
(YUSakura_7427-130)
Raging Waters and Gentle Lands by Yukari Sakura, 2019
acrylic on paper, 15.25 x 21.5 inches
(YUSakura_1298-124)
Sir Peter Knight the Unicorn by Yukari Sakura, 2017
acrylic on paper, 18.75 x 18.5 inches
(YUSakura_7303-58)
Verna the Cooper Cow by Yukari Sakura, 2013
acrylic on paper, 11.25 x 15 inches (signed on back)
(YUSakura_7618-176)
Untitled (White Rhino) by Yukari Sakura, 2018
acrylic on paper, 18 x 24 inches
(YUSakura_3188-44)
Start your own mail art correspondence with The Mail Art Club Postcard Set – don’t forget to add your own art and postage!
The set includes ten unique designs featuring original artworks from The Mail Art Club exhibition at the CE gallery.
4 x 6 inches
Artworks include three collaborative postcards created by all the artists, teachers, and volunteers as the art traveled from home to home. Seven cards feature an original piece of mail art from each of the CE artists who participated in the project since it began in the spring of 2020.
Collab Card 5 by The Mail Art Club, 2021, multimedia postcard, 4.125 x 6.5 inches
Collab Card 3 by The Mail Art Club, 2021, multimedia postcard, 5.75 x 8.5 inches
Collab Card 4 by The Mail Art Club, 2021, multimedia postcard, 4.75 x 6.125 inches
Untitled by James Nielsen, 2020, multimedia postcard, 4.75 x 5.5 inches
Untitled by Joseph “JD” Green, 2021, multimedia postcard, 6 x 4 inches
Untitled by Joseph Omolayole, 2020, multimedia postcard, 5 x 7 inches
Untitled by Yukari Sakura, 2021, multimedia postcard, 5.5 x 7.5 inches
Untitled by Miyuki Tsurukawa, 2020, multimedia postcard, 4.75 x 6.5 inches
Kamala by Ada Chow, 2020, multimedia postcard, 6 x 4.75 inches
Self-portrait by Amani Swalim, 2021, multimedia postcard, 5.5 x 4.75 inches
8.5 × 11 inches | 64 pages
Designed by Michael Napper
At the beginning of the pandemic when in-person programs were on hiatus, Creativity Explored artists began to exchange handmade postcards via the US mail to stay connected. This experimental exchange of art and ideas took place virtually via a new virtual class started by Teaching Artist Michael Napper. Over the past two years, CE artists, teaching artists, staff and volunteers created and mailed hundreds of postcard-sized artworks to one another.
On view at Creativity Explored April 8 through June 11, 2022, The Mail Art Club exhibition showcases dozens of original drawings, collaborative multimedia collages, and text-based work mailed and exchanged between participants of the ongoing class.
Co-curated by Michael Napper and CE board member Cheryl Ward with assistance from teaching artist Judith LaRosa and volunteer Sylvie Carnot, the exhibition focused on artworks by a core group of artists who regularly attend the class: Ada Chow, Joseph "JD" Green, James Nielsen, Joseph Omolayole, Yukari Sakura, Amani Swalim, and Miyuki Tsurukawa.
This catalog features dozens of artwork included in the exhibition and a forward by Michael Napper. Many artworks feature collaborations amongst artists, teaching artists, and volunteers, that took place over weeks or months, traveling from mailbox to mailbox with new art and stamps added by each recipient.
Select Exhibitions & Projects
2019
Cityscape, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
Creativity Explored at Cutting Ball Theatre, San Francisco, CA
Big Bellies, Jewish Community Center San Francisco, CA
The Grand Finale, Spark Arts, San Francisco, CA
2018
Transcendent, San Francisco Zen Center, CA
2017
Bride of Monster, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
Sugar Circus, C + M (Coffee and Milk) War Memorial, San Francisco, CA
2016
Pass Away - Dia de los Muertos Altar, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA
Natural History, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
After Pop Life, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, CA
Ripe, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Yukari Sakura, Mission Pie, San Francisco, CA
2015
TV Dinner: Yukari Sakura and Daniel Green, The Gallery at Ace Hotel New York, New York, NY
2014
Shoerageous, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
A Curious Menagerie, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
2013
SIDESHOW, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
2012
Streetopia, Luggage Store Gallery, San Francisco, CA
ArtPadSF, Phoenix Hotel, San Francisco, CA
Make art with us
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Thomas Claesen
Owner & designer at Clawsun. Originally from Belgium, but now located in Nashville, TN. Drumline instructor in my free time.
Made especially for the littlest visitors to the Academy, this cute one-piece bodysuit has a fun dinosaur-theme.
Featuring art from Yukari Sakura this adorable onesie is part of a product collection created especially for The World's Largest Dinosaurs exhibit at California Academy of Sciences.
Unique dinosaur design!
Soft, natural 100% cotton.
New snap tape technology is smooth and soft.
Color: Carribean blue.
Fit: Infant unisex bodysuit.
Materials: 100% preshrunk cotton.
Care instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. Consider washing in cold-water and line drying to conserve natural resources.
Purchase at the California Academy Store