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Arts and entertainment

Soga Japan Center at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Washi Community Day & Art Detectives

Posted by Elizabeth Braaksma for Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Washi, traditional Japanese paper, is the main medium of this exhibition, which features two-dimensional works, sculptures and installations by nine Japanese artists. After viewing the exhibition, get creative with the WMU Soga Japan Center. Staff and volunteers will guide participants through origami folding and Japanese calligraphy. 

Families will enjoy the Art Detectives activity, from 10:30 to noon, which includes a reading of "A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa." Art Detectives is a free program, but preregistration with the Kalamazoo Institute of Art is encouraged. More here.

Washi Community Day promotion

Washi Community Day

Explore Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. Washi, traditional Japanese paper, is the main medium of this exhibition, which features two-dimensional works, sculptures, and installations by nine Japanese artists. After, get creative with members of the WMU Soga Japan Center who will guide you through origami folding and Japanese calligraphy.

A Life Made by Hand promo

Art Detectives

Participants will learn about Japanese American artist Ruth Asawa. We’ll explore Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper and Michiko Yoshimoto from the WMU Soga Japan Center will join us to guide an origami activity. Art Detectives is a free program for children 4-8 years old (but all ages are welcome). Join us as we read a story, look at art and make a project to take home. Preregistration is encouraged.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts
314 S Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49009 US
Michiko Yoshimoto, Program Manager, Soga Japan Center