Free with admission to exhibition

Discover the meditative beauty of shodō, the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy. You’ll learn how to create your own Japanese character using brush and ink.

Free with admission to exhibition

Discover the meditative beauty of shodō, the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy. You’ll learn how to create your own Japanese character using brush and ink.

Free with admission to exhibition

Discover the meditative beauty of shodō, the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy. You’ll learn how to create your own Japanese character using brush and ink.

Free with admission to exhibition
Justin Witte, Curator of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art

Justin Witte, Curator of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, offers a captivating presentation, sharing the intricate process and compelling backstory behind bringing this U.S. premiere exhibition to DuPage County. He will also provide unique insight into the featured works, exploring the cultural and historical context that shaped them, and uncovering the lasting impact they have had on today's art world. 

Free, no registration required

With a keen eye towards the observation of nature, watch as local Ikebana designers artfully arrange joyful, summer flowers and branches to create harmony between the natural materials and the space surrounding them.

Free, registration required

Join Elisa Carter, Certified Practice Group Leader, to activate your healing energy. We will learn about the benefits of Qigong, which include increased energy and mobility, relaxation, stress reduction, pain management, sleep improvement, and feeling empowered.

Free, registration required

Inspired by the Hokusai exhibit at College of DuPage, we will be making a customized linocut stamp. We will teach the skills you will need and all supplies are included.

Inspirados en la exhibición de Hokusai en la Universidad de DuPage, haremos un sello de linograbado personalizado. Le enseñaremos las habilidades que necesitará y todos los suministros están incluidos.

Free, registration required

Join Justin Witte, Curator of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art at College of DuPage, for a behind-the-scenes look at Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World. He will explore the rich history of the Edo period, Hokusai’s artistic journey, and share insights into the exhibit’s curation. 

Free

In celebration of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai and the carved wood block art style known as Ukiyo-e, create your own masterpiece with an ample supply of stamps and paint. Plus, make your own wooden block stamp to bring home! 

Free, registration required

Come and hang at the Teen Cafe. Tonight, we'll be making Candy Sushi.   Snacks and drinks provided. For teens in 6th-12th grade.

Free, registration required

Paint your own Japanese Edo style paper fan. Bags are limited, registration is required. For ages 6-11.  Bags will be available August 18 from 9 am to 9 pm.

Free with admission to exhibition

Discover the meditative beauty of shodō, the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy. You’ll learn how to create your own Japanese character using brush and ink.

Free with Exhibition Ticket Stub

This one-hour BBC documentary film focuses on Hokusai’s work, life and times in the great, bustling metropolis of Edo, now modern Tokyo. Using extraordinary closeups and pioneering 8K Ultra HD video technology, Hokusai’s prints and paintings are examined by world experts.

Free, registration required

Inspired by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai’s ukiyo-e (woodblock pictures) of “The Great Wave”, we will try our hand at drawing our own simplified version using pen & ink and colored pencil.  Templates and prints will be available to get you started.  All supplies will be provided, so give it a try.

Free, registration required

Learn about Hokusai’s famous print, Under the Wave off Kanagawa. Then, use different collage techniques to create your own wave artwork. For grades 3-5. Registration for this event opens May 25, 2025.

Free with admission to exhibition

Discover the meditative beauty of shodō, the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy. You’ll learn how to create your own Japanese character using brush and ink.

Free, registration required

Enjoy a demonstration of Japanese drumming led by prolific composer, multi-instrumentalist, educator and performer, Tatsu Aoki. For adults and kids of all ages. Registration for this event opens May 25, 2025.

Free, open to the public
Exhibition ticket additional cost

EVENT AND DATE CHANGE
MOVED TO AUGUST 9

Join us for a celebratory festival filled with traditional Japanese entertainment. Throughout the day, enjoy cultural activities, Japanese food vendors, and more.

Schedule subject to change:

• 1-1:35 PM - ORiHANA, a modern J-pop project reimagining iconic songs from anime TV series and movies, as well as popular songs by celebrated Japanese musicians 

• 1:45 - 2:15 PM - Koto (Long Japanese Zither and the National Instrument of Japan) Performance by Toki  Kimura

• 2:35 - 2:50 PM - Oda Sensei - Giant Brush Japanese Calligraphy Demonstration

• 3:10 - 4:10 PM - Sumo Demo 

• 4:20 - 4:50 PM - Kyudo Demonstration (Contemplative Japanese Traditional Archery) 

• 5:00 - 5:30 PM - Koto (Long Japanese Zither and the National Instrument of Japan) Performance by Toki Kimura 

Food vendors:

• Lu’s Sushi and Chinese

• Shinya Izakaya Grill

• 2d Restaurant – Mochi Donuts

• Japanese Sweets Wagashi Studio

Join us for one hour of sushi, sake and a curator talk on MAC Belushi Performance Hall stage. Meet new friends and learn about the creation of the exhibition with Curator Justin Witte.

Ticket includes admission to exhibition, an expert behind-the-scenes talk, two drink coupons, complimentary appetizers and a VIP Lanyard.

Free, registration required

In Japan, cranes have been thought a symbol of long life. An old phrase says "cranes live a thousand years.” Origami, specially crafted and patterned paper, was invented in the Edo period. In the late 17th century books referring not only to "paper cranes" but also to "one thousand cranes" were published. In modern times, cranes are often given to a person who is seriously ill, to wish for their recovery.

In this workshop, we will be folding paper cranes with colorful origami paper.  You can fold as many as you can in 90 minutes.  Once you fold one or two, you will be the pro and you can use them to wish your family and friends a speedy recovery or good luck in sports.

Due to Power Outages on COD Campus, the Hokusai Film scheduled for 7p tonight is cancelled and the exhibit is closed as of 6:30p.

The exhibit reopens Friday, Aug. 8 at 10a

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Free with Exhibition Ticket Stub
Japanese with English subtitles, PG13

Cannes winner Yuya Yanagaku stars as Hokusai in the biopic directed by Hajime Hashimoto on the life of the Edo period painter, from a struggling young artist to a master still honing his craft.

Free, registration required

Learn how Buddhist beliefs are intertwined with the practice of meditation in Japan and throughout Asia. Join Umesh Bhatia, long time meditator, for this insightful workshop including a simple meditation technique to increase your peace and well-being.

Free, registration required

While manga has come to mean "comics" in modern Japanese, the word was used in the Edo period to mean informal drawings, possibly preparatory sketches for paintings and woodblocks.  Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai created manga of birds, samurai warriors and archers, to name a few.  Budding artists will be aided by templates to get started in creating their own manga using markers and colored pencils.   

Free

Maestro Muspratt conducts New Philharmonic, the professional orchestra in residence at the MAC, in a free outdoor concert featuring the music of Debussy’s La Mer (The Sea), in honor of Hokusai’s Under the Wave off Kanagawa. 

Food vendor:

• 302 Wheaton

Free outdoor concerts are located at Lakeside Pavilion and do not include access to exhibition. Bring a chair or blanket – seating begins one hour prior to concert. Reserving spots is not allowed. Outside alcohol, coolers, kegs or umbrellas are not allowed. 

Free with admission to exhibition

Discover the meditative beauty of shodō, the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy. You’ll learn how to create your own Japanese character using brush and ink.

Free with admission to Arboretum

Bring your family and friends to The Morton Arboretum to explore the cultures and traditions of Asia. Taste delicious food from local vendors, experience new music, and take in traditional dances and performances that pay homage to this part of the world. This family-friendly weekend will be the cultural event of the summer!

The Destination Asia Festival celebrates the cultures of Asia, where many trees and plants at The Morton Arboretum originated. The Arboretum’s scientists and arborists continue to work with colleagues in countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, China, and Taiwan to support research and encourage policies that improve the conservation and management of forests and trees in the face of rapid changes in these countries’ economy, ecology, and culture.

Admission to the Destination Asia Festival is included with Arboretum general admission.

Free with admission to exhibition
Yayoi Shinoda, Assistant Curator, Japanese Art, East Asian Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Yayoi Shinoda will present a talk addressing both Kabuki theater and the world of the Yoshiwara district, linking directly the exhibition and the role of courtesans in Edo popular culture. The talk will highlight not only their visual significance but also the often-harsh realities of their lives.

Free with admission to Arboretum

Bring your family and friends to The Morton Arboretum to explore the cultures and traditions of Asia. Taste delicious food from local vendors, experience new music, and take in traditional dances and performances that pay homage to this part of the world. This family-friendly weekend will be the cultural event of the summer!

The Destination Asia Festival celebrates the cultures of Asia, where many trees and plants at The Morton Arboretum originated. The Arboretum’s scientists and arborists continue to work with colleagues in countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, China, and Taiwan to support research and encourage policies that improve the conservation and management of forests and trees in the face of rapid changes in these countries’ economy, ecology, and culture.

Admission to the Destination Asia Festival is included with Arboretum general admission.

Free, registration required

Learn to make restaurant-quality sushi at home with Jen Paleracio of Lean Bellas Kitchen. She will cover how to select fresh ingredients, cook perfect sushi rice, master the rolling technique, and create a variety of classic and creative sushi rolls.