KAKIZOME - The First Calligraphy of the New Year 2018 (Kakizome 'first writing' 書き初め) 1st Calligraphy Written at the Beginning of YearNEW

Oshogatsu - Japanese New Year - is a big celebration for three days in which friends and family get together to share wishes for a healthy and happy year and to participate in a variety of activities and celebrations.  Kakizome, the writing of the first calligraphy of the new year, is traditionally held on January 2nd in Japan when people write positive and encouraging words and phrases with calligraphy brush and ink.
 
For our first Cultural and Educational Program of 2018, JASGA will invite a certified calligrapher, Aya Koga, to share with us the traditional Japanese New Year's custom of kakizome. Kakizome (in Japanese, "first writing"  書き初め) is the first calligraphy written at the beginning of the year.  You'll also be able to enjoy writing your own Kakizome.
 
About the Kakizome demonstration and practice:
Aya Koga will talk about the history of kakizome and show us how to write some New Year's wishes, demonstrating the dynamic brush strokes with a large brush.  Some audience members will be invited to participate.  This is not to be missed!
 
About Aya Koga
Ms. Aya Koga started calligraphy at the age of six.  She was awarded Yomiuri Newspaper Calligraphy Prize when she was a student.  She holds second level calligraphy license from Official Calligraphy Association of Japan.  She has been teaching Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) class at JASGA's Shodo class since Fall 2014.

When
January 14th, 2018 12:30 pm through 1:30 PM
 
Family Day Schedule
12:00
12:30 Kakizome (first Japanese calligraphy of the new year)  
1:30  
2:00  
2:30  
 
Costs
This event is free, family friendly, and open to the public!  

Location
Come and start the event with us on the first family day in 2018 at the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum!
 
(Note) The Kakizome demo and practice is held in the room.