Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2014

Even the causal art fan knows that nihonga means “Japanese-style painting” and refers to pictures of fog-shrouded mountains gracing hanging scrolls and folding screens on display in the museums of the world. Fewer people know that it’s possible to have Nihonga at home, and even create it themselves. Maria Tanikawa is on a mission to let people in on this secret by teaching bilingual art lessons in New York and Tokyo. Tanikawa is offering intensive morning and afternoon lessons in Omotesando every Saturday in February on the seasonal theme of “girl’s festival.” A two-and-a-half hour session is ample for even a beginner to turn out a finished work of art. Classes are ¥5,000 including materials and of course you can take your masterpiece home. A regular ten-lesson course is also available.
To register contact: 03-6418-1006 or nihongart@gmail.com. www.mariatanikawa.com