Origami and the Art of Paper Folding Class

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Taught by Linda Stephen

Supported by Nebraska Arts Council

The class will begin on February 3, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Willard Community Center for the following eight weeks. (Every Friday from February 3 to March 24). The class will be canceled due to inclement weather. 

*Participants must be 55 years or older.

To register, please click here and fill out the form.

Origami and the Art of Paper Folding

Let's explore the possibilities of paper! Join paper artist, author and teacher Linda Stephen to learn step by step how to fold papers to make origami flowers, animals, cards, baskets, boxes, bas relief paper art, and geometric sculptures. We will also learn about Japanese paper arts. Through paper folding, we will cultivate new ways to see and engage with each other and the world.

All are welcome. This class is designed for beginners. If you can fold a piece of paper in half or in quarters to stuff into an envelope, you have the basic paper folding skills needed. 

We will start with the easiest of origami patterns – two folds. Over eight weeks, we will build skills and techniques to make a variety of origami models, art and 3D sculptures, including a six-sided cubic rose ball. In every class, you will have options to create your own variations and to share your work with others. We will also prepare artist statements and art (life) bios for sharing in a public exhibit.

All materials are provided. Feel free to bring your own favorite papers. We will use origami paper and also Japanese handmade papers in a variety of textures and patterns.

Culture and history: Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding is more than 1,000 years old. Japan has more handmade papers than the whole world combined. Artist Linda Stephen lived in Japan for six years and is fluent in Japanese. She has been collecting Japanese papers for 30 years.

Art exhibit: After the 8 weeks, we will showcase the best of individual and group origami 2D and 3D art in a public exhibit. 

About the instructor: Linda Stephen has taught origami to thousands of people ages 3 to 97. Her origami art landscapes are part of collections around the world. Her picture book The Day We Went to the Park won the 2021 Nebraska Book Award for illustration. Fluent in Japanese, Linda taught in Japan for six years. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and has worked in communications on five continents. Linda is a teaching artist with the Creative Aging Arts Program of the Nebraska Arts Council. See more at LindaStephen.com or on Facebook at LindaStephenOrigamiArt.