Author Archives: Carolyn Classen

Fall Ikebana Festival at Yume Japanese Gardens from Oct. 26 to Nov.5

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“Step into a world of graceful beauty and artistic mastery at our annual Fall Ikebana Festival, where the essence of nature comes to life through exquisite floral arrangements. Admire a stunning array of Ikebana compositions created by talented artists and enthusiasts. Each arrangement tells a unique story and captures the spirit of the seasons. It is a testament to creativity and the deep connection between humans and nature.

Whether you are a skilled Ikebana practitioner or simply curious about this beautiful Japanese traditional art form, our Fall Ikebana Festival promises an enriching and visually stunning experience for all.

Reserve your tickets now and prepare to be mesmerized by the artistry of Ikebana.

Date & Time:

Festival will be held from 10/26 – 11/05. Special event fees apply, please check ticket prices below.”

Our general admission hours are: 

Thursday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Tickets:

General admission: $18

Children under 15: $5

Members: $10Purchase Tickets

Oribana workshop at Yume Japanese Gardens on October 22

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“Oribana is a form of paper art that combines origami and ikebana, which are traditional Japanese art forms. The word “oribana” is a portmanteau of “ori” (fold) from origami and “bana” (flower) from ikebana.  

In this popular workshop, run by origami artist M. Fumie Craig, students gain hands-on experience doing Oribana and they will learn how to fold and create paper flower arrangements in a paper vase.

About the Artist:

M. Fumie Craig has been an origami enthusiast for more than 60 years. Together with David Kha, she became a Co-Founder of Tucson Origami Club in 2004. She is active in Tucson’s community as a member of the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition and was past President of the Japan America Society of Tucson. In 2006 she was honored as the Pan Asian Community Alliance Woman of the Year. Her origami artwork has been exhibited at Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson and the Tucson Botanical Gardens.”

Date/Time:

Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 1pm to 3pm

Advance registration required.

Tickets:

Adults: $20 

Children: $10

All materials included (does not include Gardens admission)

Space is limited. Please reserve your spot!Purchase Tickets

Talk by Photographer Takeshi Ishikawa at CCP on Minamata photos on October 12

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ÜCenter for Creative PhotographyTAKESHI ISHIKAWA 
Thursday, October 12, 2023, 5:30 pmCo-sponsored by Etherton Gallery

“Join us on October 12 at the Center for Creative Photography for a talk by
renowned photographer Takeshi Ishikawa.Visiting Tucson from Japan, Ishikawa
will generously share his unique journey as an assistant to  W. Eugene Smith and Aileen
Smith in crafting the iconic photographic series known as “Minamata.”

In 1971, W. Eugene Smith traveled to Japan with his wife, Aileen Mioko Smith, to
the environmental catastrophe in Minamata. A small fishing village on the west coast of Japan, Minamata, had been polluted with mercury waste by the local plastic producer,
Chisso. Local villagers experienced innumerable and irrevocable health diseases and
due to the contamination. 

Ishikawa’s presentation at CCP, “Bringing W. Eugene Smith’s Photo Book Minamata: A Warning to the World to Publication,” will recount his fated encounter with W. Eugene
Smith in a Japanese train station that led to three years of living and collaborating with
the Smiths, including photographing behind-the-scenes footage of Smith’s remarkable
body of work.“

CCP is at 1030 N.Olive Rd. on UA campus, in Tucson.

Japanese performers, folk artists and food at 2023 Tucson Meet Yourself on October 13 – 15

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Coming to Jacome Plaza downtown outside the Joel D.Valdez main library (101 E. Stone Ave.) is once again Tucson Meet Yourself folk festival in its 50th year!

NEW performers this year: Japanese musical trio Nagoyaka will be performing on Oct. 13 on the Jacome Plaza lawn, at 1:15 to 2 p.m.
“NAGOYAKA 和やか (“Peace”) is an ensemble of musicians playing traditional Japanese music in Tucson. Masako Yasui (koto; Ikuta ryu), Koryo Yasui (shakuhachi; Tozan ryu), Paul Amiel (shakuhachi, fue; Kinko ryu).”

Members of Nagoyaka performing at Yume Japanese Gardens

Other Japanese performances:
Sukuyuki-Kai dancers on October 14 at 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. on the Jacome Plaza Lawn. Same day October 14 at 4:45 p.m. Odaiko Sonora taiko drummers will be at the Church Ave. stage. And UA Kyudo and AZ Kyudo Kai will be demonstrating Japanese archery on Oct. 15 at 1:15 p.m. at Stone Ave. stage.

New folk arts this year: Kiyoko Matsuyama will be teaching ikebana flower arranging (Sun 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) and SAJCC Council member Miki Pimienta will show how to fold furoshiki cloths over packages (Sat. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) Also new will be Shuka Parker demonstrating calligraphy (Sat. 4 to 6 p.m.). Returning to teach origami paper folding is UA Professor Chieko Nakano.

Kiyoko Matsuyama will teach Ohara style of ikebana


Miki Pimienta will teach the art of furoshiki

Always a popular treat is Tomomi Katz’s Takoyaki Balls food truck/booth, located at # 22 this year. See TMY map.

Enjoy TMY in its 50th year. All info at: www.tucsonmeetyourself.org.

Yume Japanese Gardens’ annual re-opening on October 1st, 2023

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COMING: RE-OPENING CELEBRATION
at Yume Japanese Gardens

“Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson will be re-opening its gates on Sunday, October 1st, 2023. A celebration to welcome the Tucson community back to our cultural and tranquil space will be held from 12 PM to 5 PM (our regular operational hours).

Visitors can enjoy the reawakened Gardens while tasting delicious food from the ever popular Takoyaki Balls Food Truck (from 12 PM to 3 PM) and can experience the joy of movement and music through traditional Japanese dances and a Taiko drumming performance from local group, Odaiko Sonora.

An inspiring Exhibit, “The Sedge Hat and the Staff – A Zen Journey”, dedicated to the extraordinary life of reverend Dai-En Bennage Roshi, abbess emerita at Mt. Equity Zendo, PA, will be debuting on the same day in our Museum and will run through May 2024.

Visitors can go to https://www.yumegardens.org/purchase-tickets to purchase regular admission tickets in advance.”

Tickets: 
Adults: $15.00
Seniors (65+)/Students/Military (w/ID): $12.00
Children 3-15: $6.00
Children 2 and under: Free 
Members: FREE

www.yumegardens.org

Carolyn’s note: Yume Japanese Gardens opened their doors in January 2013, has been open ever since, every Spring, Fall & Winter. They just celebrated their 10th year on April 1, 2023.