Members Only Night is an exclusive benefit for Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia Members! On the first Thursdays of the month during Shofuso’s regular season we offer special programming and light refreshments for members to enjoy.
This August, join us for a hands-on calligraphy program with local artist Janice Merendino.
Janice Merendino is a teaching artist, college professor, one of five founders of Philadelphia’s Clay Studio, and the founder of the Branch Out Project, (www.branchoutproject.com) where she teaches business executives and others how to use drawing and “visual literacy skills” to stimulate creative and strategic thinking. Since 1998, Janice has designed and taught workshops for Accessible Programs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a variety of audiences, including people with Parkinson's disease and veterans struggling with PTSD.
Janice graduated from Moore College of Art and Design in 1974 with a BFA in Ceramics and BS in Art Education. As a student, Janice did an independent study in Japan to study ceramics and visit ancient kiln sites, which sparked a lifelong love of the country and its culture. While there, she developed a passion for calligraphy and traditional Japanese papers which she incorporated into her paintings and ceramic work. Janice exhibited her works on paper and porcelain pottery in Tokyo and continued to visit Japan multiple times to study. She continues her studies of calligraphy with Mayumi Tomii at Shodo Studio Momi.
This past September, Janice exhibited her ink paintings in a solo exhibition at Cerulean Arts Gallery, seen on her website at janicemerendino.com and shares her love of the medium through workshops and demonstrations at Shofuso and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.