Top: Ritsuko Kashiba, Bottom: from the 2022 Calligraphy Demonstration

For Free First Thursday in September, Seattle Japanese Garden welcomes Ritsuko (“Ricky”) Kashiba for a calligraphy demonstration and a hands-on calligraphy table. You will be surprised at how elegantly you can express yourself with brush strokes!

Admission is free all day for Free First Thursday.

Ritsuko Kashiba

Ritsuko Kashiba is a calligraphy instructor based in Seattle, WA. Ritsuko has been practicing calligraphy for over 40 years and has been teaching for the past 25 years. She is a member of Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu Kai, whose mission is to carry the tradition of the art of shodo and inspire interest throughout the United States and Japan since 1965.

Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai’s Seattle Branch is located at 1042 S. Weller Street.

Join us in the Tateuchi Community Room on Thursday, 9/7, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Admission is free all day for Free First Thursday.

Ritsuko Kashiba

Ritsuko Kashiba is a calligraphy instructor based in Seattle, WA. Ritsuko has been practicing calligraphy for over 40 years and has been teaching for the past 25 years. She is a member of Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu Kai, whose mission is to carry the tradition of the art of shodo and inspire interest throughout the United States and Japan since 1965.

Japanese calligraphy, known as shodō (書道), is litteraly means "way of writing" and stands as one of Japan's most cherished traditional arts. It involves the artful use of ink and brush to create characters, combining kanji and kana symbols. Shodō's origins trace back to Chinese calligraphy, introduced to Japan in the 6th century, with adaptations made to accommodate the unique Japanese language. This art form serves multiple purposes, including artistic expression, communication, and Zen practice, promoting harmony and wisdom. It's a widely taught subject in educational institutions, from elementary schools to universities, showcasing its enduring cultural significance.