CMA is partnering with Taikoza, a NYC-based musical group of players and educators to celebrate Japan's cultural contributions to the world with performances and interactive workshops.

Taikoza shares Japan’s rich musical performance tradition of taiko drums and bamboo flutes at 12n and 2pm. Story Time features books by Japanese authors at 11 am with Children’s Librarian Kristy Raffensberger of the Hudson Park Library.

Workshops inspired by traditional and contemporary arts practices of Japan include:

Calligraphy Mural, inspired by Usugrow in Fine Arts: Usugrow is a mural artist from Tokyo who covers walls with his own personal style of calligraphy - the art of handwriting using beautiful technical qualities. Usugrow uses black and white paint exclusively on walls, and scribes positive messages to inspire the public that passes by. In the studio, young artists collaborate using calligraphy to celebrate positivity.

Textured Containers, inspired by Makiko Hattori in Fine Arts: Makiko Hattori creates ceramic containers and sculptures that have highly detailed textures on their surfaces. She creates new forms that have never before existed borrowing inspiration from the human body and clothing to “inspire our space and spirit.” In the studio, kids create containers from air dry clay with highly textured surfaces. Will you create a planter, a pencil holder or an art object? Use buttons, beads and other upcycled materials to decorate sustainable containers.

The Yarn Web, inspired by Chiharu Shiota in the Gallery: Yarnbomb the museum's PVC-pipe gazebo structure, inspired by Chiaharu Shiota! Shiota uses yarn to string together entire rooms. These webs connect objects and viewers. The installation will stretch from ceiling to floor, creating an environment where guests can become part of the art.

Light Paintings, inspired by Ei Arakawa in the Media Lab: Ei Arakawa is a performance artist who makes LED paintings that can change and interact with the audience. Some of the paintings even sing!

Sushi at the Clay Bar: Sushi is a popular Japanese dish made of rice and other fillings, like fish, vegetables, or even fruit. It is sometimes rolled in dried algae, called Nori, then cut bite-sized. Kids can create some clay versions.

J-Pop in the Sound Booth: ポップス or J-Pop is a popular style of musical genre with roots in traditional Japanese music while blending cultural influences from around the world. Can you hear influences of pop and rock music of the 60’s and 70’s? What about dance music from the 80’s and 90’s?