Build and decorate a Japanese-style cart at Art League workshop (submitted by Mary Vinnedge)

In early August, the Galveston Art League Gallery is hosting a multiday Japanese folk art workshop in which participants will construct and decorate a pull-cart resembling a fish or a watermelon slice. This folk art, called Taiguruma, originated in the Maki region of Niigata, Japan, more than 150 years ago. The colorful toy cart traditionally resembles a fish commonly known as a sea bream, which is called “tai” in Japanese. 
Motoyuki Noguchi returns to Galveston to lead this workshop for the sixth time; the Art League has hosted the previous four. The workshops are held as part of the Sister City program with Niigata.
Noguchi will teach how to build the carts using paper stretched over bamboo frames. Following the construction process, attendees will paint their carts. A candle is placed inside after the carts are finished. When the carts are pulled, they have an irregular movement, and – between the uneven motion and the flickering candles inside – the toys seem to come to life. In the case of the fish cart, the bream appears to be swimming.    
No experience is required to take this workshop, which is spread over four days: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 5, 6 and 7 (with an hour off for lunch) and 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 8. The workshop will be held inside the Galveston Art League’s recently expanded gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. in downtown Galveston. 
The cost for the workshop is $115, and all supplies are provided. To register, please visit www.GalvestonArtLeague.com and click on “Workshops.” If you have questions, email gallery2117@gmail.com or call Galveston Art League Workshop Coordinator Susan Pinkerton at ​ 832-752-3280. 
Low-cost workshops are one of many ways that the 105-year-old Galveston Art League fulfills its mission of supporting visual arts and arts education. The nonprofit, all-volunteer Art League also promotes and displays the works of local artists, offers children’s classes, participates in ArtWalk, and periodically holds mini-workshops at Galveston’s Own Farmers Market.
The Galveston Art League primarily is funded by contributions, memberships for artists and non-artists, sponsorships, and an annual gala. This year’s gala, which will include live music, auctions, and fine dining, will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, in the San Luis Hotel Ballroom in Galveston. For more information about the league and its gala, please call 409-938-1671, visit www.GalvestonArtLeague.com, or email gallery2117@gmail.com.  



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