Tomoo Kitamura was born and raised in Japan. He studied ceramics under Fujia Sakuma, Mashiko, Japan. Early in his career was awarded an Emerging Artist Grant from the Arts and Science Council, Charlotte NC. His work is collected throughout the United States and his ceramic sculptures have been included in exhibits at the Mint Museum of Art, Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft and Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington DC. He recently completed an 11-month residency at McColl Center for Visual Art, in Charlotte NC.