The annual Strolling in Yukata was a delightful evening of camaraderie, delicious cuisine, fun activities, and delightful entertainment. In addition, the MarketPlace provided interesting and beautiful items to purchase, while others were able to actually try-on yukata, yoga, or tai chi for the first time. We also displayed lovely kimonos usually hidden in the storage. Everyone had an enjoyable evening and we all look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
Many thanks to all who attended, and special thanks to Alan Jones and Max Beckman for music, Mine Tominaga for Ondo dancing, JBAA (Japan Business Association of Arizona), Fushicho Daiko for their captivating taiko drumming, Harumi Yoga, Phoenix Bonsai Society, Safe Movements for tai chi, Kenton Knepper for Tibetan Crystal bowls, ForMyReason.com, and our Staff and volunteers for their work to make this happen!
See more photos from the event here.
Yuko Harada kept the Garden Lecture Series presentation interesting for her guests on Sunday, April 21, 2013 in the Garden. She brought them into a way to feel from within what they record on the paper in front of them. Most agreed that Shodo Calligraphy is not only interesting but soothing.
See more photos from the lecture here.
Children's Day was a delightful success! Thanks to everyone who came to join in the fun. The kids were busy creating art, folding origami, watching the new batch of baby ducks, feeding the koi, listening to stories, getting face painting, and so much more. Water yo-yos were quite a hit. Listening to the exciting beat of taiko drumming and watching youngsters learn aikido caught everyone's attention. The Anime Contest winners were awarded terrific prizes...it was difficult to choose the "best" art!
Special thanks to Sister Cities Himeji Committee, Phoenix Comicon, Mesquite High School volunteers, Ken Koshio, Arizona Aikido, and all our volunteers and hearty thanks to Staff, who made this day happen as a huge success!
See more photos from the event here.
It was a lovely Sunday afternoon at RO HO EN and our Garden Lecture on Kabuki by Janelle R. was informative and so interesting. There is an aura of mystery about this art form. All male actors, intricate costumes, allowable audience interaction, and so much more. Janelle shared so many details but believes there are so many more to learn! It is definitely worth the trip to anywhere in the world to see a kabuki performance. Many thanks to Janelle for spending time in the Garden to present another aspect of the arts and culture of Japan.
See more photos from the lecture here.
This fabulous returning exhibit is one you will not want to miss! Displayed throughout March, every Thursday through Sunday (weather permitting; 10 am to 4 pm), each piece is a delight to behold! Here are only a few of the incredible stitched pieces, in case you need some enticement to come stroll the path and view the entire exhibit. The highly qualified artists have created gorgeous art that positively compliments the beauty of the Garden. We welcome you to please stop by to see all of the fiber art displayed...you won't be disappointed!
See more photos from the event here.
Some of the mystery of kimono was defined at our February Garden Lecture by Harumi Maejima. The styles, colors, patterns, and even design of this beautiful traditional garment has come gracefully into the present in a lovely manner. Knowing the fabric and its proper care are important components of owning a kimono. Dressing in kimono is a learned art and takes patience and time to accomplish. Harumi and her models demonstrated beautifully the wearing of both the traditional and contemporary kimono. The history of kimono started so long ago and continues to evolve. Thank you Harumi, for sharing so much information!
See more photos from the lecture here.
Once again, the ikebana arrangements gracing the path were exquisite. The natural beauty of each piece brought you into the feeling of the individual creation. While an intimate part their surroundings, each one made its own statement. Everyone loved the way these pieces embellished the serenity of the Garden. Thank you to Ping Wei and all the artists for designing such lovely works and more importantly, for sharing them with all the visitors to RO HO EN. We look forward to welcoming you all back to the Garden again next year.
See more photos from the event here.
