Chiyo Sasaki was born in September 1931 in Tokyo, Japan. She came to the United States in 1957 and became a professional artist and teacher. At a young age, she learned from highly regarded art instructors in Japan and won many prestigious awards throughout her life.

For 50 years, Sasaki travelled the United States, touring art shows and selling her elegant paintings. She is well known for her restrained purity and innovative simplicity in her watercolor paintings on silk and gold leaf; she is also well known for her unique ability to paint with both hands simultaneously. Sasaki’s art is displayed in galleries around the world. Her husband David, who passed away in 2013, travelled with her and handcrafted the frames for her work.

Sasaki now lives in Los Angeles, where her grandchildren were born and raised. Three of her six grandchildren, including Crescenta Valley High School all-league golfer Nathan Soule (2001), Glendale High School softball standout Danielle Soule (2003), and Micah Soule (2004), grew up in the Glendale area and attended GUSD schools. In addition, two of her grandchildren, Roxette and Spencer Howe, are accomplished world-level competitive figure skaters based in Burbank; and Russell, the youngest of the grandchildren is growing up in Little Tokyo.

Several years ago, Sasaki was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her family is hosting a fundraiser to support her medical expenses and care. On Saturday, Jan. 30 from noon to 6 p.m., the public is invited to come out to the community room at Citibank at 2350 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose to view Sasaki’s original art pieces and prints that will be on display. There will also be prizes raffled off. Sasaki will be at the event from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a meet and greet. A portion of the proceeds raised will go to the Alzheimer’s Association.

For those interested in donating but can’t make it to the event, visit www.Chiyosart.com and click on the “Donate” tab. Contributions can also be made to the Sasaki Family Trust at PO Box 788, Montrose, CA 91021.