The USC U.S.-China Institute's National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA), in partnership with the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, invites K-12 educators to join Teaching Japan Through Art: Contemporary Ceramics, Tea Culture, and Classroom Connections on Wednesday, September 9, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles.
This immersive professional development experience explores how contemporary art and traditional cultural practices can enrich the teaching of Japanese history, culture, and society. Through the exhibitions Tea Ceremony with Pacific Plastics and Kinetic Stillness, participants will discover how art offers compelling entry points for examining craftsmanship, cultural identity, sustainability, innovation, and Japan’s evolving artistic traditions.
The workshop includes guided introductions to both exhibitions, followed by a featured presentation by Kaoru Kuribayashi, curator of Kinetic Stillness, who will examine how artists reinterpret centuries-old traditions through modern materials, techniques, and perspectives. The program will also feature brief presentations from the Japan Foundation on current exhibitions, educational grants, and resources available to schools and Japanese language programs, along with opportunities to explore the galleries, connect with fellow educators, and enjoy light refreshments.
Designed for K–12 educators across disciplines, this workshop offers practical classroom ideas, interdisciplinary connections, and resources that encourage inquiry-based learning and cultural understanding.
REGISTER HERE