753 - Kintsugi Workshop: Repair and Reconnect

753 - Kintsugi Workshop: Repair and Reconnect

Workshop | Registration opens 8/1/2025 12:00 AM CDT

Beginner to Intermediate
10/4/2025 (one day)
10:00 AM-1:00 PM CDT on Sat
$120.00
$114.00

753 - Kintsugi Workshop: Repair and Reconnect

Workshop | Registration opens 8/1/2025 12:00 AM CDT

Discover the art and philosophy of Kintsugi — the Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with Urushi (sap of Japanese lacquer tree) and gold — in this all-level, hands-on workshop.

In this 3-hour session, students will learn and apply the modern Kintsugi method using food-safe adhesive, epoxy putty, Urushi (sap of Japanese lacquer tree), and a golden finish. The technique is safe for beginners and designed to make the centuries-old practice accessible in a single-day format. Rather than erasing damage, Kintsugi highlights each crack as part of an object’s unique story — inviting us to reflect on beauty, imperfection, and transformation.

For beginner students, a broken porcelain plate will be provided, allowing them to experience the full repair process from start to finish.

For returning students, or those with previous experience, you’re welcome to bring your own broken ceramic object (must be clean and all parts present) or choose from more complex forms provided by the instructor.

This workshop offers a supportive, meditative space for reflection and creativity. All materials are provided, and finger covers are available to use, though handling epoxy can sometimes leave a light residue for a day or two.

  • Kintsugi is a centuries-old practice used to mend treasured objects with silver or gold. The use of valuable materials highlights rather than hides the cracks or "flaws" of the once-broken object.

  • All materials are provided, including small ceramic and porcelain plates.

    Please note that some materials, such as the epoxy putty, can get sticky and the alternative Urushi can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. Disposable finger covers and nitrile gloves are available for student use.

     

Mami Takahashi

Mami Takahashi is a multidisciplinary artist from Tokyo. Using photography, performance, installation, poetry, and sound art, her practice explores the complexities relationship between “others” and '“us”.

Previous exhibitions and performances have taken place at Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland, OR; San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco; International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago, IL; The International Museum of Art, El Paso, TX; Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Alberta, Canada; Gwangju Folk Art Museum, Gwangju, Korea; Instituto Municipal del Arte la Cultura, DG Mexico, Tardino 6 Platform, Azerbeijan and Toriizaka Art Gallery, Tokyo, among other venues. She holds an MFA from Portland State University and a BFA from Joshibi University of Art and Design, Kanagawa. Takahashi is a recipient of the Ford Family Award for MASS MoCA residency.

You can see her work by visiting her website.