Filtering by: Arts
'SHU 朱 - Scarlet' by Chiyo Sanada
Mar
6
to Apr 27

'SHU 朱 - Scarlet' by Chiyo Sanada

  • Seattle Japanese Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The exhibition ‘SHU 朱 - Scarlet’ by Olympia based calligrapher Chiyo Sanada will be on display in the Tateuchi Community Room from March 6 through the end of April. ‘SHU 朱 - Scarlet’ features striking pieces that utilize the traditional colors of temples and Torii gates throughout Japan and combine abstract elements with traditional calligraphy.

Admission is free all day on March 6th for our Free First Thursday. Meet the artist from 4pm - 5:45pm during the opening reception and get the first look at this intriguing exhibit. ‘SHU 朱 - Scarlet’ will be on display in the Tateuchi Community Room till the end of April.


Entry to the garden is free the whole day from noon to closing for Free First Thursday.

Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.

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4/3 – Free First Thursday: History of Tea Ceremony
Apr
3
4:00 PM16:00

4/3 – Free First Thursday: History of Tea Ceremony

Akiko Suzuki from Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association will deliver a lecture on the Japanese tea ceremony on April 3rd. Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association has been demonstrating the Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Shoseian for many years. Attendees are invited to learn about the essence of the Japanese Traditional Tea Ceremony from historical and philosophical viewpoints.

*This lecture will be held in the community room, and traditional matcha tea will not be served.

Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association is the Seattle chapter of Chado Urasenke Tankokai, which is the membership organization for the Urasenke Chado practitioners.
They are the non-profit organization serving the Chado Urasenke practitioners and those interested in Chado in the greater Seattle area.

Their mission is to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich culture and spirits of Japan through the art of Chado, “the Way of Tea”, commonly known in English as “Japanese Tea Ceremony.”


Entry to the garden is free the whole day from noon to closing for Free First Thursday.

Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.

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6/14 – Family Saturday: Community Indigo Dip with Botanical Colors
Jun
14
11:00 AM11:00

6/14 – Family Saturday: Community Indigo Dip with Botanical Colors

You will learn how to dye fabric with indigo, a plant also known as Indigofera tinctoria.

Demonstration will be held in the Meadow area North of the Tea House from 11am-1:00pm and is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early!

Admission is FREE from 10am to 2pm for visitors 12 and under for Family Saturday!

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8/7 – Free First Thursday: Wandering and Wondering
Aug
7
4:30 PM16:30

8/7 – Free First Thursday: Wandering and Wondering

For the August Free First Thursday, Wandering and Wondering returns to Seattle Japanese Garden for Butoh performance! Throughout the three-hour event, you will encounter dancers and musicians dispersed in surprising locations in the garden. Wandering and Wondering is a sensory feast not to be missed. Entry to the garden will be FREE all day.

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8/16 – Family Saturday: Gardens for Peace Water Calligraphy
Aug
16
11:00 AM11:00

8/16 – Family Saturday: Gardens for Peace Water Calligraphy

The Seattle Japanese Garden is participating in the North American Japanese Garden Association’s Gardens for Peace event. Visit the garden from 11am to 1pm on August 10th to draw a peace pattern with water onto special water-writing calligraphy scrolls. You can also fold an origami peace crane inspired by Sadako and the Thousand Peace Cranes in the Tateuchi Community Room.

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3/15 – Family Saturday: Origami in the Garden
Mar
15
11:00 AM11:00

3/15 – Family Saturday: Origami in the Garden

For our very first Family Saturday in March, Seattle-based origami group, P.A.P.E.R., will show you some origami techniques in the Tateuchi Community Room.

The roots of Ori (折り, folding) Gami (紙=kami, paper) originates in the 6th century in Japan. Use of paper was limited only to formal ceremonies and rituals and was not commonly available for recreational paper folding until the 17th century. Today, origami is enjoyed around the world and continues to evolve its art form.

Please join us for Origami in the Garden and experience the joy of paper folding!

Papers and instructions will be available for all visitors in the community room 11am – 1pm.


Admission is free for all youth 12 and under from 10am – 2pm for Family Saturday. 

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3/6 – Free First Thursday: 'SHU 朱 - Scarlet' by Chiyo Sanada | Exhibit Opening Reception
Mar
6
3:00 PM15:00

3/6 – Free First Thursday: 'SHU 朱 - Scarlet' by Chiyo Sanada | Exhibit Opening Reception

Join us on Thursday, March 6th for the first Free First Thursday of 2025 featuring the exhibit opening reception of 'SHU 朱 - Scarlet' by Olympia based calligrapher Chiyo Sanada.

Statement from the Artist:

My passion for Japanese calligraphy (shodo) has never changed. I enjoy sharing my love of Shodo, and I have always passionately explored new techniques and styles, blending elements of tradition with contemporary ones, since I moved to America 25 years ago. Because of Shodo, I could adapt to my new life in America; it was my magic tool to connect people. America's diverse culture, creativity, and expression have influenced my work significantly. My mission is to use shodo to connect people across cultures.

I grew up in Hiroshima and started taking shodo lessons at age seven from a kind-hearted neighborhood teacher. My mother told me to take this after-school activity because good penmanship is necessary. I was drawn to calligraphy and kept learning it. I enjoyed creating art for my family, especially my grandma (Obachan). At 17, I started thinking about my future and decided to become a teacher to share the joy of shodo with people worldwide.

Japanese calligraphy is an art form that goes beyond words. The characters' strength, delicacy, and beauty are deeply intertwined with the profound philosophy of Japanese culture. My work attempts to capture the emotions and thoughts that arise within me and bring them to life on the surface. The moment I hold the brush, my heart is calm, and when the ink touches the surface, each stroke is imbued with a sense of vitality and energy. The flow of nature and energy guides my hand through calligraphy. "Ichi-go ichi-e  is a Japanese idiom that describes a cultural concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment. It teaches us to cherish each encounter, for it will never occur again in the same way. I cannot create a piece of calligraphy in the same precise way. I practice pages and pages, but I will know the one when my mind, brush, ink, and paper match perfectly.


Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.

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10/3 through 10/13 -- Hatsumomiji 2024
Oct
3
to Oct 13

10/3 through 10/13 -- Hatsumomiji 2024

Join us for Hatsumomiji (初紅葉) – the beloved tradition of appreciating nature’s art. Each day brings out more colors to the Seattle Japanese Garden during this time of year creating a breathtaking view.

* Admission to the garden ends 45 minutes prior to the closing time (No admission after 4:15pm)

* Plan to arrive at least one hour prior to the closing time

* Tripods are not allowed in the garden

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8/10 -- Family Saturday: Gardens for Peace Water Calligraphy
Aug
10
11:00 AM11:00

8/10 -- Family Saturday: Gardens for Peace Water Calligraphy

The Seattle Japanese Garden is participating in the North American Japanese Garden Association’s Gardens for Peace event. Visit the garden from 11am to 1pm on August 10th to draw a peace pattern with water onto special water-writing calligraphy scrolls. You can also fold an origami peace crane inspired by Sadako and the Thousand Peace Cranes in the Tateuchi Community Room.

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8/1 -- Free First Thursday: Yokai in the Seattle Japanese Garden - An Introduction to the Spooky Supernatural Creatures of Japan
Aug
1
5:00 PM17:00

8/1 -- Free First Thursday: Yokai in the Seattle Japanese Garden - An Introduction to the Spooky Supernatural Creatures of Japan

Join us on Thursday, August 1st, 5pm – 6:00pm in the Tateuchi Community Room for a Lecture by Nobuko Horikawa. Professor Nobuko from Seattle University will teach us the Japanese fun and scary Yokai (Ghost) world!

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8/1 -- Free First Thursday: Wandering and Wondering
Aug
1
3:30 PM15:30

8/1 -- Free First Thursday: Wandering and Wondering

For the August Free First Thursday, Wandering and Wondering returns to Seattle Japanese Garden for Butoh performance! Throughout the three-hour event since 2010, you will encounter dancers and musicians dispersed in surprising locations in the garden. Wandering and Wondering is a sensory feast not to be missed. Entry to the garden will be FREE all day.

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 “Artisans of Edo” Japanese Prints & Garments from the Wiley Family Collection
Aug
1
to Aug 31

“Artisans of Edo” Japanese Prints & Garments from the Wiley Family Collection

  • Seattle Japanese Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Artisans of Edo is a part of hundreds of Japanese prints that were collected by the Wiley family in Japan at the end of WWII. The collection is a loan from the Wiley family in honor of their late father Bob Wiley and mother, Mary Ann Wiley. The exhibit will also include a collection of 100-year-old garments acquired by the Wiley family.

Artisans of Edo will be on display from August 1 through 31, 2024. The garden admission is free from Noon to closing on Thursday, August 1 for Free First Thursday.

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Jazz & Sake in the Garden
Jul
22
6:00 PM18:00

Jazz & Sake in the Garden

Join us for a summer evening of jazz and sake in the beautiful Seattle Japanese Garden!

Trumpeter, composer, educator, and recording artist Jun Iida (Joon Ee-da) has quickly established himself as a highly sought after musician.  Iida has performed extensively throughout the U.S. and Japan at notable jazz clubs, theaters, and festivals with his sextet and as a sideman.

Jun will be joined by the musicians below for the night.

Jun Iida (trumpet)

Greg Feingold (bass)

Sutton Marley (drums)

Matt Williams (keys) 

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SJG Youth Photography Exhibit Starts at Noon on July 4th and Runs Through July
Jul
4
to Jul 31

SJG Youth Photography Exhibit Starts at Noon on July 4th and Runs Through July

  • Seattle Japanese Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Youth Photography Exhibit by the Youth Photography Workshops participants will start from noon on July 4th. The new talented group of artists participated in our youth photography workshops at the Garden this spring. The workshops were held in partnership with Youth In Focus. July 4th is our Free First Thursday and the admission is free for all day.

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6/15 -- Family Saturday June: Community Indigo Dip with Botanical Colors
Jun
15
11:00 AM11:00

6/15 -- Family Saturday June: Community Indigo Dip with Botanical Colors

This event is canceled due to the weather. It is an outdoor event, and the weather forecast predicts rain in Seattle on June 15.

You will learn how to dye fabric with indigo, a plant also known as Indigofera tinctoria.

Demonstration will be held in the Meadow area North of the Tea House from 11am-1:00pm and is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early!

Admission is FREE from 10am to 2pm for visitors 12 and under for April Family Saturday!

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5/11 -- Family Saturday May: Koi Day
May
11
11:00 AM11:00

5/11 -- Family Saturday May: Koi Day

After a cold winter, koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are looking forward to our friendly visitors (and a feast)! 

Koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are awake from their winter hibernation and ready to eat. For our May Family Saturday on May 11th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., we’ll have free koi food(*Subject to change), a koi presentation and Q & A by the Washington Koi & Water Garden Society, and a Taiko Drum Performance by Kaze Taiko (TBD). 

FREE admission to all youth 12 and younger from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Saturday. 

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旅する猫たちの原画展: The Travel Cats by Mari Ichimasu
May
2
to Jun 30

旅する猫たちの原画展: The Travel Cats by Mari Ichimasu

  • Seattle Japanese Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Seattle-based Japanese artist Mari Ichimasu's signature series, Fur Coats and Backpacks; The Travel Cats will be on display through June 30, 2024. Come meet Mari during the opening reception on Thursday, May 2 at 5pm. Admission to the garden is free after Noon on 5/2 for Free First Thursday.

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4/4 -- Free First Thursday April: History of Tea Ceremony
Apr
4
4:00 PM16:00

4/4 -- Free First Thursday April: History of Tea Ceremony

Kyoko Matsuda, representing the Omotesenke style, will deliver a lecture on the Japanese tea ceremony on April 4th. Kyoko and her group have been demonstrating the Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Shoseian for many years. Attendees are invited to learn about the essence of the Japanese Traditional Tea Ceremony from historical and philosophical viewpoints.

*This lecture will be held in the community room, and traditional matcha tea will not be served.

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Maple Festival 2023
Oct
5
to Oct 15

Maple Festival 2023

Join us for Momijigari (紅葉狩り) – the beloved tradition of appreciating nature’s art. Each day brings out more colors to the Seattle Japanese Garden during this time of year creating a breathtaking view.

* Admission to the garden ends 45 minutes prior to the closing time (No admission after 4:15pm)

* Plan to arrive at least one hour prior to the closing time

* Tripods are not allowed in the garden

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September Family Saturday | Respect for Elders Day: Hand-Weaving by Satoko Pettersson
Sep
16
11:00 AM11:00

September Family Saturday | Respect for Elders Day: Hand-Weaving by Satoko Pettersson

Have you ever watched the intricate process of textiles being woven up close? Join us for the September Family Saturday when textile artist Satoko Pettersson will be demonstrating this fascinating art form in the Tateuchi Community Room from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. * Free admission to all youth 12 and younger and seniors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Saturday and Respect for Elders Day. 

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Free First Thursday September: Calligraphy Demonstration
Sep
7
4:30 PM16:30

Free First Thursday September: 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.

Ritsuko (“Ricky”) 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.

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

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Family Saturday August: Natural Dye Demonstration by Botanical Colors
Aug
12
11:00 AM11:00

Family Saturday August: Natural Dye Demonstration by Botanical Colors

You will learn how to dye fabric with indigo, a plant also known as Indigofera tinctoria.

Demonstration will be held in the Meadow area North of the Tea House from 11am-1:00pm and is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early!

Admission is FREE from 10am to 2pm for visitors 12 and under for April Family Saturday!

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Free First Thursday: SJG Youth Photography Exhibit Opening Reception
Aug
3
5:00 PM17:00

Free First Thursday: SJG Youth Photography Exhibit Opening Reception

Join us on Thursday, August 3rd, 5:00pm – 6:30pm in the Tateuchi Community Room for Art Reception: Youth Photography Exhibit by the Youth Photography Workshops participants. The new talented group of artists participated in our youth photography workshops at the Garden this spring. The workshops were held in partnership with Youth In Focus. It is part of our Free First Thursday and the admission is free for all day.

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SJG Youth Photography Exhibit 2023
Aug
1
to Sep 29

SJG Youth Photography Exhibit 2023

  • Seattle Japanese Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Don’t miss this exciting photography exhibit by our youth artists! These new talented group of artists participated in our youth photography workshops at the Garden this spring.

The exhibit will be on display in the Tateuchi Community Room till Sunday, October 1st.

*Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.

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Art of Japanese Indigo: Presentation by Taka Ishii from Awonoyoh
Jul
6
6:00 PM18:00

Art of Japanese Indigo: Presentation by Taka Ishii from Awonoyoh

Join us on Thursday, May 4, 6pm – 7:00pm in the Tateuchi Community Room for a Lecture by Taka Ishii from Awohoyoh.

On July 6th, as part of our Tanabata Festival and Free First Thursday, Takayuki Ishii from Awonoyoh will give a lecture about plants for Japanese Indigo, his Aizome works, his studio in Japan, and the town where he lives, farms, and produces his Aizome art. 

Admission is free all day on July 6th for our Free First Thursday. Come meet the artist and stay for the slide show! Stay tuned for more details.

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Art of Japanese Indigo
Jul
6
to Jul 27

Art of Japanese Indigo

  • Seattle Japanese Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Indigo dye is one of the oldest dyeing methods in the world. It was used not only in ancient India, Egypt, and China but also in Central and South America and Africa. In Japan, indigo dyeing is known as Aizome. Its history goes all the way back to 8th century. The oldest Aizome cloth is still kept in Shosoin in Nara prefecture. From working clothes to formal attairs, Aizome dyeing has started being used widely in the Edo period (1603-1867). Aizome dye was highly regarded for its antibacterial and insect-repellent properties addition to its beautiful deep blue hue.  

The British chemist Robert William Atkinson, who came to Japan at the beginning of the Meiji period(1868〜1912), admired the indigo blue seen here and there in the town and called it "Japan Blue". 

Takayuki Ishii from Awonoyoh will present his Indigo dye fabric collection at our Tateuchi community room from July 4th through July 30th.

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Art in the Park - Dementia-Friendly Recreation
Jun
7
10:00 AM10:00

Art in the Park - Dementia-Friendly Recreation

Enjoy time in the Japanese Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum, and a watercolor painting experience led by a skilled facilitator. Series is open to persons with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners. Each session includes time to explore the garden and a guided watercolor painting experience. No artistic experience necessary; all materials provided. Offered in collaboration with Dementia-Friendly Recreation.

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Art in the Park - Dementia-Friendly Recreation
May
24
10:00 AM10:00

Art in the Park - Dementia-Friendly Recreation

Enjoy time in the Japanese Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum, and a watercolor painting experience led by a skilled facilitator. Series is open to persons with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners. Each session includes time to explore the garden and a guided watercolor painting experience. No artistic experience necessary; all materials provided. Offered in collaboration with Dementia-Friendly Recreation.

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Family Saturday May: Koi Day
May
20
11:00 AM11:00

Family Saturday May: Koi Day

After an unusually cold winter and early spring, koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are looking forward to our friendly visitors (and a feast)! 

Koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are awake from their winter hibernation and ready to eat. For our May Family Saturday on May 20th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we’ll have free koi food, a koi presentation and Q & A by the Washington Koi & Water Garden Society, and a Taiko Drum Performance by Kaze Taiko (starting at noon), a vegetable Stamp art and crafts at the Tateuchi community room. 

FREE admission to all youth 12 and younger from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Saturday. 

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Art in the Park - Dementia-Friendly Recreation
May
10
10:00 AM10:00

Art in the Park - Dementia-Friendly Recreation

Enjoy time in the Japanese Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum, and a watercolor painting experience led by a skilled facilitator. Series is open to persons with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners. Each session includes time to explore the garden and a guided watercolor painting experience. No artistic experience necessary; all materials provided. Offered in collaboration with Dementia-Friendly Recreation.

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