Library Exhibit from Shiga, Japan

The library is hosting pottery, drawings and paintings from the children of Shiga, Japan, Michigan’s sister state. The exhibit, which lasts from from February 1st to February 25th, is a collaboration of the Shiga Prefectural Government of Japan and Soga Japan Center of Western Michigan University.

In 1969 the Shigaraki Fine Arts Society for Children was established. The area is a famous center for the production of pottery in Japan and for its “earthenware studies” program for elementary students through teens.

On Saturday, February 20th, from 2:00-4:00pm Japanese students and staff of the Soga Japan Center will offer demonstrations of calligraphy, origami, and storytelling. There will be music by students of the Suzuki Academy of Kalamazoo and samples of Japanese food.

This is the kickoff for Reading Together 2010, a series of community discussions, lectures, exhibits and demonstrations featuring the novel Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. Mr. Guterson will be visiting Kalamazoo on March 17th.