Origami, the ancient Japanese art of folding paper to produce intricate shapes and three-dimensional objects, looks like a difficult craft. Not so, says Anita Barbour, who believes that practically anyone can learn it. “Age is irrelevant,” she says. “I have ‘folders’ who are just kids. I keep things fairly simple, and build up skills. I’ve been teaching so long that I have a good idea of what beginners can handle.”
Barbour will prove her own instructional skills at the Kingston Library this Saturday, December 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in an Origami Foldfest geared to have children, teens and adults learn to manufacture recognizable animals, geometric shapes and holiday ornaments.
Barbour has been designing origami for more than 40 years, as well as producing drawings, paintings, prints, nature photography and silversmithing. Her book Easy Origami Ornaments: Step-by-Step Guide is a self-photographed and -illustrated collection of original designs, many of which she is eager to share. In 2006, she exhibited “Origami from Stories and Myths,” including pieces from Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter, plus dragons, unicorns, pegasi, wizards, witches, sea monsters, imps, space aliens, harpies and Frankenstein’s monster. In 2009, the Kingston Library had an exhibit of exquisite holiday ornaments made by her. Barbour teaches classes for children, teens and adults at the Library on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at 10:30 a.m.
This program is free and open to everyone. It’s a wonderful introduction for beginners and a great challenge for advanced folders. Come in and make a handmade origami model for yourself or as a gift for someone truly special. Spend the morning or stop by for just a while. This is an origami event for parents and children learning together. The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street. For more information about the Origami Foldfest, contact Children’s Librarian Stephanie Morgan at (845) 331-0507, extension 7.