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The Japanese Culture Center hosts a wide variety of classes, events, and demonstrations to explore the rich cultural heritage of artists and creators worldwide. Come join us for an immersive experience right in the heart of Chicago!

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Season’s Greetings with Sumi-e

November 10 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

- Free
Share the gift of your creativity this coming holiday season by crafting hand-painted “Season’s Greetings” cards.

Share the gift of your creativity this coming holiday season by crafting hand-painted “Season’s Greetings” cards, featuring the striking beauty of Cardinals. Join us for a special sumi-e series of three workshops where you’ll explore the art of Chinese watercolors combined with the poetic elegance of haiku, led by Aaron DeLee.

Workshop Details:

  • What You’ll Create:
  • 50 custom watercolor cards featuring Cardinals
  • Original haiku to complement your artwork inside each card

  • What You’ll Learn:
  • Techniques for painting Cardinals
  • Kaizen: a Japanese philosophy of the value in continuous, steady improvement
  • Drafting haiku to add personal and poetic touches to your cards

Why Paint 50 Cards?

This workshop is as much about the journey as it is about the finished product. Kaizen, which translates to “change for the better,” emphasizes the power of small, consistent actions. By painting the same subject repeatedly, you’ll uncover new techniques, develop your artistic voice, and experience the joy of watching your work evolve and take flight with each stroke. Moreover, you’ll finish with a flock of meaningful gifts that connect you with others during the holiday season.

Join Us:

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply a beginner, this workshop is designed to inspire and challenge you. Walk away with a collection of fine and festive cards along with a deeper understanding of your own creative process, ready to share your work with friends and family.

Each class will begin with a meditation, followed by some lessons in technique followed by Step-by-step instruction for cardinal paintings.

3 weeks for FREE

Time: Sundays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST

Dates: Nov 10, 17, & 24th

A Zoom link to join the class will be provided upon registering in the Eventbrite confirmation email.

Registration closes one hour prior to the class time.