In September of 2013, artist Patrick Hayashi was invited by Art in Embassies and U.S. Embassy Bishkek, to travel to Kyrgyzstan to conduct a series of workshops and lectures about his life and art. Patrick Hayashi his artwork was selected by Art in Embassies curator Imtiaz Hafiz for the exhibit at the residence of American Ambassador Pamela Stratlen. Patrick worked closely with Art in Embassies, as well as the cultural affairs staff – Johanna Fernando, Cultural Affairs Officer, and Kamila Kojokmatova, Cultural Affairs Assistant at the U.S. Embassy, Bishkek , to create an artist exchange program. Johanna and Kamila had arranged for Patrick to give three one hour lectures at the American University of Central Asia and the American Corners programs in Bishkek and Karakol, a six hour drive from the capital Bishkek. They also arranged for a two hour hands-on demonstration to art students at three different art colleges.
