Lisa HorowitzThe Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach turned out to be a lovely location to learn the art of origami, or Japanese paper folding, on Sunday.
From humble beginnings more than 15 years ago, with only two presenters and about 25 attendees, the 2011 event hosted 40-plus experts teaching a much larger crowd — several hundred, at least — how to make 3-D objects from a single sheet of paper.
Origami fish in a bowl; Credit: Lisa Horowitz
Patient instructors taught small groups of kids and adults to fold and interlock paper to make ninja throwing stars, penguins, mini gift boxes, flowers and pinwheels. Origami turtles were perched on the rocks overlooking the garden's waterfall. Chains of a thousand origami cranes — a traditional symbol of good luck or peace — hung from a tree branch.
The grouping of flowers, created by Pam Miike, demonstrate one-sheet creations.; Credit: Lisa Horowitz
Kids wandered the garden path sporting the paper hats they'd made, or took turns feeding the giant carp in the garden's lagoon.
The chess set greeted people arriving at the Cal State Long Beach Japanese garden.; Credit: Lisa Horowitz
The calming, almost Zen influence of both the garden and the origami kept people waiting patiently for their turn to sit and learn. While they waited, they could admire pieces created by more advanced practitioners — such as a portrait of Yoda — or snack on tea and Japanese crackers.
Volunteer Georgette Jenkins taught complex-looking origami balls, created without using tape or glue.; Credit: Lisa Horowitz
If this year's popularity is any indication, they might want to start rounding up more experts and tables for next year.
Instructor Andrew Ting, right, offers hands-on instruction.; Credit: Lisa Horowitz
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If kids got bored with origami, they could feed the Japanese carp in the garden's pond.; Credit: Lisa Horowitz
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