"When children see these religious Japanese artifacts, it's just amazing to watch them interact with beautiful smiles and pure faces as they look at the art."
So says the Rev. Mark Pinto, a docent and exhibit coordinator for a spectacular cultural and religious showcase-- "The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito"--under way at the Chicago Illuminating Co. on the South Side. The exhibit showcases some 100 works by Japan's Shinjo Ito (1906-1989), an artist and revered Buddhist grand master (he founded the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order).
"Children really love this exhibit, especially the 16-foot-long, gold-colored sculpture of a reclining Buddha," said Pinto. "But we wanted to have a special day just for kids, too."
Children's Day will offer youngsters a free box lunch and participation in activities relating to Japanese culture. "They also get to watch a koto player perform. The music it creates is beautiful and peaceful," Pinto said.
Activities include:
- Fish painting: The Japanese art of fish painting was developed as a way for fishermen to record the size and species of their catch. Kids will place a sheet of paper over a faux fish and rub the reliefs with paints.
- Origami: Participants will make simple paper folding art with four to five folds.
- Collage: Youngsters will be given art supplies to create a collage that will become a large mural for the Shinnyo-en Head Temple in Japan.
- Scavenger hunt: The game encourages kids to find six works of art. Everyone is a winner and will receive a special award certificate.
- Do you know Shinjo? The workshop includes coloring with Billy the Squirrel.
Admission to Children's Day and the exhibit is free. The exhibit goes through May 1 at the multiarts rental facility at 19 E. 21st St.
An information center is set up at 102 E. Oak to provide a free trolley to the exhibit and back.
Call (312) 326-9500; www.ShinjoIto.com/events.
Photo: Kids can try origami during Children's Day at the exhibit of Shinjo Ito art under way at the Chicago Illuminating Co. ;
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