Origami lovers share art with others

By Christina Frank

The Davis Origami Group meets monthly in the Blanchard Room at the Stephens Branch Library, 315 E. 14th St. in Davis, to make magical items with paper. Guests are always welcome.

The group will celebrate World Origami Days (Oct. 24-Nov. 11) with an expanded exhibit, talks, workshops and demonstrations at its meeting from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. Some of the handiworks are on exhibit throughout October in three display cases at the library.

According to OrigamiUSA, the national origami society, “Oct. 24 is the birthday of Lillian Oppenheimer (1898-1992), who founded the first origami group in America. Lillian was also one of the founders of the British Origami Society and OrigamiUSA. She was delighted in the magic to be found in a piece of paper, and wanted to share this joy with the world.

“Nov. 11 is Origami Day in Japan, where the paper crane has become a symbol of peace.”

Many models will be taught throughout the afternoon, including finger puppets, toys/games, practical items (containers/wallets), dollar folds and airborne models. Participants should bring some old magazine/catalog covers to repurpose before they are recycled.

Several speakers are scheduled. At 2 p.m., Glenn Sapaden will talk about “Bringing Origami into the Classroom,” showing some connections between origami and math, as well as between origami and art. But origami also can be used in history, science, biology and engineering classes, Sapaden says.

At 3 p.m., Andrew Hudson will talk about the “Surprising History of Origami,” an overview of the history of the art, putting emphasis on two time periods: the developments leading to the origami renaissance in Japan in the 1930s, and the proliferation of complex origami in the past couple of decades. Hudson also will discuss some everyday applications (airbags, stents, aerospace industry, etc.).

During the afternoon, Tom Vinik will tell a story while transforming a piece of paper into nine different objects as the story “unfolds.”  He also will teach some napkin folds to use for holiday get-togethers.

For more information, email andrew.hudson13@gmail.com or call Judy Ng at 530-753-6093.