April Vacation Series: The Arts of Japan

Celebrate hanami, the Japanese custom of enjoying flowers and explore Japanese art and culture. Taiko drumming and lion dances. There are different ongoing activities each day during vacation week, including collaborative art, demonstrations, performances, and a family gallery tour. 

Some programs require reservations.

• Drop-in Art Activities

Boston Origami Project | 11 am–3 pm | Atrium
Students from MassArt's Boston Origami Project teach visitors how to create an origami crane in honor of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Cherry Blossoms | 11 am–4 pm | Atrium
Transform the Atrium into a beautiful space with flowers

• Demonstrations

Calligraphy | 11-11:30 am and 3:30–4 pm | Atrium
Master calligrapher Michiko Imai demonstrates the skill that earned her the highest rank of Shihan in 1998.

• Performances and Storytelling

Kamishibai | 1 - 1:30 pm | Morse Auditorium
Japanese art and culture expert Midori Oka reads a story using large, colorful kamishibai cards, accompanied by Sumie Kaneko on the koto. Reservations by April 18.

• Family Gallery Tour

Rare Objects | 1–1:30 pm | Meet at information desk. 
Explore special objects on view in the Japanese Art Gallery. For families with children ages 5 and up.

• Musical Performance

  Koto | 2:30–3 pm | Japanese Art Gallery
  Sumie Kaneko performs on the six-foot-long stringed instrument that is a member of the zither family.