Morikami gardens and pond.
Photo by Dmitro.
Morikami has a wide array of cultural and educational events happening in the month of December.
Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15
Sumi-e Ink Painting (Floral Beginner) (class) 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Fridays, Dec. 2, 9, 16
Sumi-e Ink Painting (class) Floral: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Landscape: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. $52.50 (Morikami members $48.75)
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, sumi-e means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and use brushes to create the primary strokes. Floral and landscape classes start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject.
Japanese courtyard at Morikami.
Photo by Aliza Schlabach.
Dec. 3
The Art of Kokedama 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. $60
Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil wrapped with string and containing an ornamental plant. This decorative approach brings an organic and natural touch to orchids, succulents and other ornamental plants. Learn the mechanics by creating two regular-size and one small one.
Dec. 3 Family Fun: Mizuhiki 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Included with museum admission (free for members)
Use the magic of mizuhiki, washi paper cords, to bring the symbol of togetherness to your next gift.
Dec. 10 Sadō: The Way of Tea Noon, 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. $5 with museum admission
Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your life.
Dec. 11 Film Screening: “Belle”
11 a.m. (dubbed in English) and 2 p.m. (in Japanese with English subtitles) $5 with museum admission
From Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, creators of “Mirai,” “Wolf Children” and “Summer Wars,” comes a fantastical, heartfelt, animated story of growing up in the age of social media. When Suzu enters the “U,” a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally beloved singer.
Dec. 15 Karesansui: Raking Demonstration 10:30 a.m. Included with museum admission
Karesansui, or dry landscape garden, is founded on Zen ideology using composed rock arrangements and gravel or sand. Karesansui is raked to represent characteristics of water such as currents and waves, while boulder arrangements may be interpreted as islands. Learn about the Morikami’s Late Rock Garden and observe how the raking can be a practice in mindfulness and meditation.
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