Origami LAFF (Lyric Arts Folding Fest) usually meets on the third Saturday each month at the Nanini Branch public library, from 1 to 4 PM. The next meeting is today, December 18 in their small meeting room. The library is 7400 N Shannon Road (north of Ina Rd.), phone 520-594-5365.

origami coyote

We have an informal meeting where ideas are shared and models are taught. This meeting is free and open to the public. We encourage you to bring models you might like to teach, or just share with others.

You can see pictures of Origami LAFF meetings on their web page:www.lyric-arts.com/origamilaff.html

Today’s host is paper artist Mary Ellen Palmeri. Click on her name to see her other beautiful paper creations, including the one below. Origami can even be made featuring Southwest themes, not just Japanese ones. She can be reached at maryellen@lyric-arts.com.

I am a member of the Tucson Japanese Culture & Origami Meetup Group which meets over on the eastside in Tucson at Dao’s Tai Pan Restaurant (446 N. Wilmot Rd.), so this NW location is terrific for the folks who live over there.

Enjoy origami!

origami & mixed media desert scene by artist Mary Ellen Palmeri

Another fun koi show event coming up on November 13 & 14 at the Kino Veteran’s Memorial Park, 2805 E. Ajo Way. Lots of koi (Japanese carp) to view, plus tai chi, martial arts & Samurai sword demonstrations, Japanese traditional music on koto & shakuhachi by Muso (duo of Hiroko Coates & Paul Amiel), and dance & taiko drumming by Suzuyuki-kai. There’s even a koi coloring contest for the kids.

See the flyers & program schedule below. FREE admission, 9 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, 9 to 3 p.m. on Sunday. This is their 31st annual show sponsored by the Southern Arizona Koi Association (SAKA).

For more info: www.sakoia.org, 520-747-7278. I wrote about a previous koi parade of ponds tour in the Spring (click here).