Two exhibitions, presented simultaneously this fall in New Hope and Philadelphia, will showcase the vision and legacy of the late-master craftsman George Nakashima.

"The Nakashima Tradition: Origins and Continuity" will begin Friday, October 9 with the opening of "Vintage Works by George Nakashima" at the Moderne Gallery, III N. Third St. Philadelphia.

"Studio Pieces: Continuity and Growth at the Nakashima Studio" will open Friday, October 16 at the Nakashima Studio, 1847 Aquetong Road, New Hope.

Both exhibitions will continue through December 19. The collaboration focuses on the shared interest and commitment of two of George Nakashima's proponents: Robert Aibel owner of Moderne Gallery, and Mira Nakashima-Yarnall, George's daughter, who continues to direct the Nakashima Studio and to develop new pieces of her own.

Benefit events associated with the exhibitions will seek to raise funds for continuing George Nakashima's greatest endeavor: The Global Peace Altar/Table Project of the Nakashima Foundation for Peace.

The Peace Altar/Table, is a manifestation of George Nakashima's dream to create a tangible focus for prayer and meditation, one for each continent of the world.

Made of two massive book-matched planks sawn from a Black Walnut tree, each Peace Table measures 10 1/2 feet by 10 1/2 feet, weighs 1/2 to 3/4 of a ton and costs at least $30,000 to produce. The Peace Table for Russia is ready to be received.

"We are extremely grateful to Bob Aibel for his support, not only of the Nakashima Studio past and present," said Nakashima-Yarnall but also for helping realize another manifestation of the Peace Altar/Table dream of George Nakashima."

The opening of the exhibit at the Moderne Gallery from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. October 9 will include a benefit party for The Global Peace Altar/Table Project of the Nakashima Foundation for Peace.

Studio pieces from the 1950s to the 1980s will be on display, including chairs, dining tables, end and coffee tables chests, desks and sofas. Several of his designs from the 1940s to the 1980s for Knoll and Widdicomb will also be represented. Most pieces will be available for purchase.

Guests at the October 9 opening benefit party will include: Marion Nakashima, widow of George; Mira Nakashima-Yarnall; son Kevin; and Irene Goldman, chairperson of the Russian Peace Table project and a representative from Auroville, India, where a Peace Altar/Table was installed. The parallel exhibition will open with a wine and cheese reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m, October 16 in New Hope.

Nakashima-Yarnall, who has been intimately involved with the work of her father and the studio since 1970, will introduce and debut a new group of furniture named "Keisho" as the heart of the exhibition.

The Minguren Museum, which showcases vintage George Nakashima works and the Peace Table, will be opened specially to the public on Saturday, October 17 from I to 4:30 p.m. An open house and tours of both museum and studio showroom will be hosted by the Nakashima family as part of the exhibition opening.

A donation of $5 per person for the Peace project is requested. The studio is open for sales every Saturday from I to 4:30 p.m., except on holiday weekends.

A broad selection of furniture lines produced since the 1960s by the Nakashima Studio, including the "Conoid" and "Minguren" series, will be on display along with the "Keisho" group, and discussed in terms of "old and new" design and workmanship.

The Nakashima Studio will contribute a percentage of exhibition sales to the Global Peace Altar/Table Project. Donations to the Peace Project will be accepted at the opening reception and lecture programs.

To request an invitation to the October 9 benefit party at Moderne Gallery, call 923-8536. For information on the October 16 reception at The Nakashima Studio, call 862-2272.