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UA Museum of Art showcases Japanese woodblock prints

November 12, 2014 by Carolyn Classen

From U of AZ Museum of Art website: Literally meaning “pictures of the floating world”, Ukiyo-e refers to the famous Japanese woodblock prints genre that originated in the seventeenth century. Informed by depictions of city life, entertainment, leisure, beautiful women, kabuki actors, and landscapes, Ukiyo-e magnified the sophistication of the newly minted bourgeoisie who had … Read more

Beautiful kimono exhibit opening at Yume Japanese Gardens

September 30, 2014 by Carolyn Classen

Kimonos made with exceptional skill from fine materials have long been regarded as great works of textile art, often hand painted, embroidered, or brocaded and sometimes costing thousands of dollars. Join us to view nearly two dozen examples of the traditional Japanese robe, ornamented with beautiful painterly designs.

This exhibition runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 23 and admission to it is included with entrance to the Gardens. Accompanying the exhibition is a permanent display of 19th-century woodblock prints depicting scenes of daily life in pre-modern Japan.

Enjoy Megamania at PCC Downtown

July 8, 2014 by Carolyn Classen

From the Pima County public library website, for a fun MegaMania event on July 12 at PCC Downtown, 1255 N. Stone Ave. , 2 to 6 p.m. Here’s the extensive schedule below (and there’s also a pdf version of the schedule to download & print from their website).

Happening All Afternoon

Cosplay—Show off your costume or make your own. Then take your picture at the drawing wall!! Library
Video gaming—Open play with Injustice, Super Smash Brothers, and other favorites!! Amethyst Room
Tabletop gaming—Open play with classics and new favorites, hosted by Pulp Gamer. Amethyst Room
DC vs. Marvel giant chess—Avengers assemble! Justice League unite! Play giant chess as your favorite superhero team. Amethyst Room
Go on an origami safari and learn to fold your own menagerie. How many can you make? Galleria (CC building, second floor)
Make your own tiny ninja with the Fun Ninja Cool Craft. Galleria (CC building, second floor)
Learn Japanese martial arts with A-Long Kung Fu. Amethyst Room West Patio (outside)
Go home with sugoi J-Pop giveaways from Freegal. Atrium
Anime viewing—Kick back and watch some old favorites or discover new ones with R-Galaxy! Library Learning Studio (LB 153)
Giant Angry Birds—Shoot life-sized irate fowl at porcine piglets. Amethyst Room South Patio (outside)
Blast your creativity into the future with Scratch animation software! Drop in for a ninja-quick demo and leave with samurai-level skills! Learning Studio (CC 215, second floor)
Kids! Deck out your superhero secret identity and make your own masks and capes!! Library

Celebrate Children’s Day at Yume Japanese Gardens

May 1, 2014May 1, 2014 by Carolyn Classen

Join in the celebration of Japanese traditional Children’s Day on May 3rd at Yume Japanese Gardens (1 to 4 p.m.)

Goldfish netting will test their dexterity, summer yukatas will keep them cool and colorful, origami lessons will give them a chance at making their own paper creations, and there will be more traditional Japanese toys than ever to intrigue them. This event will end our Spring garden viewing season, so come for a last look at the gardens before we close for the summer.To purchase tickets go to: www.tucsonjapanesegardens.org. Tickets prices: $10 member adults, $15 nonmember adults; children under 10 years are free.

Soothing Shakuhachi flute concert on April 30

April 28, 2014 by Carolyn Classen

“Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos will be returning to Tucson, Arizona in the spring and will be giving a concert of traditional solo pieces and original compositions for the shakuhachi at the Yume Japanese Gardens on Wednesday, April 30. Come listen to the heart/soul-moving sounds of the Shakuhachi bamboo flute of Japan.