Sideshow World, Sideshow Performers from around the world.

The following photograph rich article features Takeshi Yamada’s participation in the “Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids” exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, New York in 2007 and 2008. Yamada was featured in a film documentary, art performances, art demonstration, and art lecture of the exhibition events. This manuscript was produced by Dr. Eriko N. Bond, noted art critic and book author in New York City, as told by Yamada.

Takeshi Yamada

“Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids”

American Museum of Natural History

New York, New York

Part 2

Yamada with a Japanese warrior ceremonial reincarnation mask at his art demonstration

on June 24, 2007 at the Hall of Ocean Life of the American Museum of Natural History.

Exhibition Preview and Cocktail Reception on May 22, 2007

On May 22, between 6pm and 7:30pm, a preview and cocktail reception of the “Mythic Creatures” was held at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.

Invitation card for the exhibition preview and cocktail reception of Mythic Creatures on June 22, 2007

The first floor reception lobby and the third floor exhibition galleries were completely packed with guests. (The event was for by invitation only.) Takeshi Yamada and his sea rabbit (“Seara”) attended the event to entertain people on this festive occasion. Yamada and his sea rabbit were featured in the documentary film about mythic water creatures at the exhibition on the third floor. This exhibition gallery is right next to the permanent exhibition of the breathtaking fossilized dinosaurs.

Yamada and his sea rabbit ‘Seara’ in the mermaid section of the Mythic Creatures show.

(Photograph by Dr. Eriko N. Bond)

A documentary film produced by the museum was shown for public at the exhibition. Yamada spoke

about Coney Island, sideshow gaffs, monsters, the art of rogue taxidermy and his unique, creative visions.

(Photographs by Dr. Eriko N. Bond)

Behind the Scene; Film Production

On March 14, 2007, a film crew of American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan visited Takeshi Yamada and filmed him. Following are photographs and letters associated with this filming project.

Yamada at work on his 32-feet Giant Sea Serpent at his house in Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York.

(photograph by American Museum of natural History)

Yamada at work on his 32-feet Giant Sea Serpent at his house in Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York.

(photograph by American Museum of natural History)

March 15, 2007

Dear Takeshi,

Yes, we were blessed yesterday!

Not just with the warm weather, but with you, Phil, Bob and Kenzo all working to get the best footage. You are a natural for documentary video. As you were walking past the Cyclone, Phil commented that you are "Chaplinesque." What better complement can there be in film?

I'll be editing the footage in April; then the show opens in May. I'll let you know about any opening parties.

As agreed, AMNH will provide you with three DVD's for personal use/viewing. They may not be licensed out to other parties. Please correspond and gain permission from AMNH regarding showings like the one you mentioned at the library.

I know that your segment in the video will be terrific. Your interview has a lot of gems within. It will be difficult to edit it down to the required time.

Best regards,

Sarah

Sarah Galloway, Senior Media Producer

Exhibition Department

The American Museum of Natural History

March 15, 2007

Dear Takeshi,

The feeling is mutual. We had a very productive day, yesterday, for many reasons. You are truly a special individual for the work you do...your passion and delightful personality. Thank you for your hospitality, and receptiveness to our production needs. Hopefully, we will meet at the museum when the exhibit "Mystical Creatures" premieres in May. Much continued fulfillment, and success with your creations, exhibits and research.

Phil

Phil Gries

For more information about the “Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids” show, see the following website. www.amnh.org/mythic

(Continue to Part 3)

E-mail: yamada108@aol.com

Special thanks to American Museum of Natural History, Ellen Silbermann, Lauren D. Travis, Maremi Kakushina, Abraham Morris, Dr. Eriko N. Bond.

Proofreading by Theresa Baker

http://www.sideshowworld.com/SSA-15.html

http://www.roguetaxidermy.com/members_detail.php?id=528

http://www.horseshoecrab.org/poem/feature/takeshi.html