Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
Many people are familiar with origami and storytelling, but most have not experienced the two combined into one fun and engaging art form. The Stillwater Public Library is delighted to host Shrikant Iyer as he presents “Storigami” via Facebook Live on Tuesday, June 15, at 2 p.m. The show will also be recorded and posted on the Library’s YouTube channel and can be viewed for one week following the program.
What is “Storigami?”
“Storigami” is Iyer’s unique blend of origami and storytelling. Iyer has been practicing origami, the ancient art of Japanese paper folding since he was nine years old. Eventually, he began incorporating stories into his instruction on paper folding to create an entertaining learning experience for all ages.
Iyer began presenting his love of origami in this fashion because it mixes completely different talents.
“I’ve always loved storytelling as well as origami,” Iyer said. So doing both at the same time was an easy choice.”
With virtual technology, the Library is able to have Iyer bring his craft to Stillwater while he presents from New York. He is pleased that this form of art can easily be delivered in a virtual setting because it allows him to reach people all over the world, especially during this last year when people have not been able to leave their homes.
“In these times, it is imperative that we have arts and experiences all delivered right to the home,” Iyer said. “Storigami can be equally engaging solitarily or in your close circle.”
According to Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Murray, origami books have always been a staple of the library collection. The craft is timeless and appeals to all ages.
“Anytime we display origami books, they are quickly taken off the shelf,” Murray said. “So we know our community is eager to learn new elements of origami.”
Although learning origami comes easy to some, it can be challenging to follow written instructions. In this presentation, participants will visually learn how to fold paper correctly and get more precise with each fold. They will also make some fun origami models and, hopefully, retain the story and the key folding sequences to recreate the model whenever they choose.
While supplies last, the Library is providing a free set of origami paper for those interested in following along or anyone who would like to try their hand at perfecting their folding skills. Sets are available on the Summer Reading display table next to origami books available for check out. Library visitors can also ask for an origami set at one of the Help Desks.
Learn more about the Library’s Summer Reading Program, including a full schedule of virtual summer fun at http://library.stillwater.org/summer_@_your_library.php.
Those interested in learning more about “Storigami with Shri” can visit his website at www.foldandtell.com.
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). To find out more about how NEA grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.