Escape the November chill and warm up with a sampling of Japanese sake! During this special event, Keiko Nakajima and Jingran Wang will offer a brief presentation on the history and cultural significance of sake in Japan, followed by a guided tasting of a variety of sakes. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and ticket price includes gallery admission. Arrive early or stay after to explore Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper before our galleries close at 5 pm. Seating is limited, and preregistration is required. Guests must be 21 or over and must present ID upon arrival.

Did you know that Michigan has a sister state 6526 miles away in Japan? Desiring to establish lasting friendly relations, the formal Sister State Agreement between the State of Michigan and Japan’s Shiga Prefecture was signed in 1968. Both Michigan and Shiga have benefited culturally, economically, and educationally from this program.

Keiko Nakajima is the current visiting official from Shiga Prefecture. One of her goals is to help foster the sister-state relationship between Michigan and Shiga, and part of her mission is to introduce delicious local sake, tea, and traditional pottery from Shiga. Jingran Wang is the former president of the Michigan-Shiga Sister-State Board, and he also serves as the secretary of the Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures auxiliary at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Cost: $50 for KIA members, $55 for non-members

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC