2024 Celebrate Mother’s Day: Kirigami & Kanpai (Kirigami Originated 100 of Years Ago: Cutting and Folding Paper Art) Instructor Mami TakahashiNEW

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a unique and creative twist by joining us on Saturday, May 11th for a special Kirigami workshop! Kirigami, derived from the Japanese art of origami, adds an extra dimension to traditional paper folding by incorporating intricate cuts, resulting in stunning three-dimensional designs.

During this workshop, participants will delve into the world of Kirigami, using simple materials such as colored or patterned papers, scissors, glue, and pencils. Guided by experienced instructors, guests will learn how to fold, draw, and cut their way to crafting beautiful pop-up cards and collage works inspired by various plants and flowers.

This event offers a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones while expressing creativity and appreciation for mothers and mother figures. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or new to the art of paper folding, come and join us for a memorable experience that’s sure to delight and inspire. Take home your unique creations as cherished gifts or keepsakes to honor the special women in your life this Mother’s Day.

Instructor Bio
Mami Takahashi is a multidisciplinary artist from Tokyo. Using photography, performance, installation, and urban intervention, her practice explores the complexities of being Asian and a woman living outside of her home country.

Previous exhibitions and performances have taken place at Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland, OR; San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco; DANK Haus, Chicago, IL; The International Museum of Art, El Paso, TX; Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Alberta, Canada; Gwangju Folk Art Museum, Gwangju, Korea; Instituto Municipal del Arte la Cultura, DG Mexico and Toriizaka Art Gallery, Tokyo, among other venues. She holds an MFA from Portland State University and a BFA from Joshibi University of Art and Design, Kanagawa. Takahashi is a recipient of the Ford Family Award for MASS MoCA residency and the Pacific Northwest College of Art+Leland Iron Work residency.

About Kirigami?
Kirigami is a Japanese paper-cutting art form that involves cutting and folding paper to create intricate designs and patterns. The word "kirigami" comes from the Japanese words "kiru" (to cut) and "kami" (paper). Similar to origami, which involves folding paper, kirigami adds the element of cutting.

In kirigami, artists use scissors or a craft knife to make precise cuts in paper, often following predetermined patterns or templates. These cuts allow the paper to be folded and manipulated into various shapes, such as flowers, animals, geometric designs, or even elaborate structures like pop-up cards or architectural models.

Kirigami can be simple or highly complex, depending on the skill of the artist and the intricacy of the design. It is appreciated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for the precision and patience required to create delicate works of art from a single sheet of paper.

Event Date
May 11, 2024, Saturday

Time
2:00 - 3:30 pm

Konbini & Kanpai
Whether it’s an everyday family dinner, monumental milestone, or just making it to the end of a long day, tasty cold beers or sippable wines have been intertwined throughout our lives’ big and small celebrations. We remember the refreshing cider we had while apple picking in Michigan and discovering our love for Sauvignon Blanc wines during our three-week road trip around southern New Zealand. We wanted to combine these experiences with our love of the Japanese convenient store (aka Konbini) to create our friendly alchohol store in Lakeview -- a neighborhood we call home. Come stop by, say hi, and explore our craft beers, wines, sakes, and non-alcoholic beverage offerings! Organized by flavor so your taste buds or our knowledgeable staff can easily guide you. Kanpai (cheers in Japanese)!

Japan America Society of Chicago
The Japan America Society of Chicago is a non-profit association made up of individuals and corporations interested in United States-Japan business, cultural, political, and social relations. Founded in 1930 to foster mutual goodwill and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States, the Society enjoys a total membership of over 150 American and Japanese corporations and over 600 individuals throughout Chicago-land and the Midwest. The Society sponsors over 50 public affairs and cultural programs annually, including business luncheons, evening lectures, cultural events and social/networking opportunities. All members receive discounts on program registration and invitations to special member-only events. The Society also has a Young Professionals Committee that organizes various evening lectures and social outings throughout the year for members in their twenties and thirties. In addition, the Society offers over six levels of Japanese and English language courses. For membership information and other inquiries visit www.jaschicago.org or contact the Society office.