Portland, Oregon – The Portland Japanese Garden Gift Store is pleased to present Texture: The Art of Paper and Fiber Show and Sale April 10–18, a special presentation of paper and fiber arts and crafts created by more than 25 different artists in our community whose work reflects the influence of Eastern traditions. With a deep appreciation for the exquisite texture and beauty of fine paper and handmade textiles, these artists employ Japanese motifs and pursue traditional techniques, such as kiri-e (cut paper pictures) and kata-zome (stencil dyeing).
Portland Japanese Garden Historic Zig Zag Bridge Gets Face Lift
Portland, Oregon – With a generous grant from The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, the Portland Japanese Garden has begun construction on the popular Zig Zag Bridge, which flows into the Garden’s Lower Pond by the Heavenly Falls. The bridge, a source of delight to visitors, meanders through the Garden’s beautiful iris beds and along a stream filled with koi fish.
Sasameyuki: The Fragile Beauty of Cherry Blossoms – Spring Piano Concert at Portland Japanese Garden
Portland, Oregon – In 2007, pianist Lisa Nakamichi played to a sold-out house at the Garden as part of the East Meets East Concert. Back by popular demand, Lisa will return to the Garden on April 29 to play a solo program entitled Sasameyuki: The Fragile Beauty of Cherry Blossoms. On this special evening, Lisa will play selections from Bach, Brahms, Beethoven, Liszt, and more.
Portland Japanese Garden Celebrates Hana Matsuri with Ikebana Exhibition
Portland, Oregon – Anyone who has not attended the Saga Goryu Ikebana Exhibition in celebration of Hana Matsuri, the Flower Festival, should plan to visit this year to experience the beauty and elegance of this special exhibition that features an authentic Buddhist ceremony in honor of the birth of Buddha. Religious festivals in Japan are often connected with seasonal changes when people give thanks for the blessings of nature.
Local Japanese Maple Expert to Speak at Portland Japanese Garden
Portland, Oregon – As part of the Japanese Garden Lecture Series at the
Portland Japanese Garden, on April 1 local maple tree expert Talon Buchholz will
deliver a lecture entitled The Wonderful World of Japanese Maples.
Owner and president of Buchholz & Buchholz Nursery and the Flora
Wonder™ Arboretum, Talon is a wholesale grower of Japanese maples, dwarf
and unusual conifers, and other choice ornamental trees and shrubs. He’ll speak
about his long experience with developing new varieties of Japanese
maples—how they are selected, trialed, and introduced.
Lovely Spring Ohara Ikebana Exhibition at Portland Japanese Garden
Portland, Ore. – What distinguishes ikebana from other approaches to
flower arrangement? Asymmetrical form and the use of “empty” space are
essential features of the composition. A sense of harmony among the materials,
the container, and the setting is also crucial. Ikebana shares these aesthetic
characteristics with traditional Japanese paintings, gardens, architecture, and
design.
Volunteer Orientation to be Held at Portland Japanese Garden
Portland, Ore. – For those who have always wanted to volunteer to help out
at festivals and exhibitions, lead guided tours, or assist staff gardeners at
the Portland Japanese Garden, a Volunteer Orientation being held at the Garden
on March 10 is a great way to learn how to get involved. Veteran volunteers and
Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Moss will share their experiences, answer
questions, and advise participants on upcoming volunteer opportunities at the
Garden.
Landscape Architect and Author Ron Herman to Speak at Portland Japanese Garden
Portland, Oregon – On March 18 in a lecture entitled In Search of an Unknown Garden, internationally known author and designer Ron Herman will speak at the Portland Japanese Garden about his remarkable career in garden design and the influence of Japan on his work. Ron spent several years studying in Japan and has designed many of North America’s largest and most intricate private gardens. He has created more than 400 full-scale garden designs in his 35+ year career in landscape architecture, including the 25-acre Japanese-style village of California software billionaire Lawrence Ellison as well as several large estates throughout the country. His presentation will also focus on his ongoing research on Shugakuin Imperial Villa in Kyoto, the study of which has become a central theme in Ron’s career.
Portland Japanese Garden Holds Photography Workshop
Portland, Ore. – The Portland Japanese Garden hosts nature photographer David M. Cobb for two workshops focused on helping participants develop their garden photography skills. David will present a brief lecture and demonstration slideshow in the Pavilion, followed by an outdoor shoot in the Garden where he will offer one-on-one assistance and work with participants on improving their composition, lighting, metering, and exposure skills. Photographers of all abilities are welcome.
Portland Japanese Garden Holds February Free Admission Day
Portland, Ore. – The Portland Japanese Garden will be holding a Free Admission Day on Saturday, February 27, from 10am-4pm. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to invite their friends, family, and fellow community members to visit the Garden on this Free Day.