Top: Ritsuko Kashiba, Bottom: from the 2022 Calligraphy Demonstration

For April’s Free First Thursday programming, Seattle Japanese Garden welcomes back Ritsuko (“Ricky”) Kashiba for a calligraphy demonstration and a hands-on calligraphy table. You will be surprised at how elegantly you can express yourself with brush strokes!

Ritsuko Kashiba

Ritsuko 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.

Japanese calligraphy, known as shodō (書道), is literaly means "way of writing" and stands as one of Japan's most cherished traditional arts. It involves the artful use of ink and brush to create characters, combining kanji and kana symbols. Shodō's origins trace back to Chinese calligraphy, introduced to Japan in the 6th century, with adaptations made to accommodate the unique Japanese language. This art form serves multiple purposes, including artistic expression, communication, and Zen practice, promoting harmony and wisdom. It's a widely taught subject in educational institutions, from elementary schools to universities, showcasing its enduring cultural significance.

Entry to the Garden is free to all from noon to closing for Free First Thursday.

Supported in part by 4Culture.

Final entry to the Garden is 45 minutes before closing.