The public is invited to view a special origami-bedecked Christmas tree on display at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.
The tree features a unique collection of mythic and fantastic creatures folded by origami artist volunteers from throughout the U.S. and abroad. The models originally were displayed on the 2007 holiday tree at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
Colorful mermaids, unicorns, angels, centaurs, Pegasuses, dragons and even a gargoyle and medusa can be found dancing among the branches of the lighted 7-foot tree in the ‘Imiloa atrium. The tree is topped with a dramatic red kusudama star folded especially for ‘Imiloa by Julien Lozi, senior optical scientist at Subaru Telescope.
The intricately folded fantastic creatures are part of an origami collection generously donated to ‘Imiloa two years ago by Al Miyatake. Born and raised in Hawaii, Miyatake was a friend of the center and longtime Japan Airlines manager who for many years created an annual origami holiday tree at the JAL check-in counter at Kona airport. Assisting in his efforts were his mother-in-law, Kyoko Kondo, and many talented friends from Origami USA, the New York-based national origami society which organizes volunteer folders to decorate the tree, which has become a nearly 50-year holiday tradition at the American Museum of Natural History.
“Our holiday tree this year is dedicated to the memory of Al Miyatake, who passed away in Kona in March,” said Margaret Shiba, ‘Imiloa’s director of institutional advancement. “As an origami enthusiast, Al worked tirelessly to share the now-universal art of paper folding with people everywhere, and we invite the community to stop by and admire the legacy he has left here at ‘Imiloa.”
‘Imiloa’s holiday tree will be on display into January. The center is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in the University of Hawaii at Hilo Science & Technology Park and is open to the public from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.imiloahawaii.org or call 932-8901.