Peace Programs and Other Art Making Activities
What is Shibu in Japanese?
Shibui (渋い) (adjective), shibumi (渋み) (noun), or shibusa (渋さ) (noun) are Japanese words that refer to a particular aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty.
JASRI’s educational learning programs encourage younger generations to stay curious about world cultures.
Enjoy an on-going series of fun learning experiences inspired by traditional Japanese artistic techniques, practices, and influences to give you a glimpse into this fascinating culture. These activities are appropriate for students, families, and adults of all artistic levels and with diverse needs.
JASRI's educational programs focus on sharing the different ways cultures look at things all with the purpose of enhancing understanding.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a process that helps young people develop the skills they need to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Creating a safe space for conversations while exploring art, fashion and music is the approach we utilize in all our workshops and programs.
Studies have shown that SEL can improve academic achievement, reduce problem behaviors, and promote positive youth development. SEL can also help students succeed in school, work, and in life.
We've discovered by integrating SEL skills into educational experiences with a focus on identity is more important than ever before.
Teaching students about unconscious bias helps them to become aware of their own biases, and to develop strategies for mitigating them. This helps students understand the importance of diversity and inclusion, and how to challenge unconscious bias.
• To foster future connections and greater mutual understanding.
• To create more inclusive learning environments.
• To reveal and nurture the interests and assets of all individuals.
Art is a global form of communication that can be used to express a wide range of feelings, ideas, and experiences. It can be used to tell stories, evoke emotions, and challenge the status quo. Art can also be used to make people think about the world in new ways.
Our workshops expand understanding of how these artisans approach their crafts.
We expose participants to art from diverse Asian cultures in a variety of media; and share how artists use materials, colors, shapes, words, and imagination to make their art.
Japanese art is a rich and diverse tradition that has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the centuries.
From the early Buddhist art of the Asuka period to the contemporary art of today, Japanese artists have always been innovative and experimental. One of the most distinctive features of Japanese art is its use of nature as a source of inspiration. For example, the Japanese landscape painting tradition, known as sumi-e, is characterized by its use of simple, elegant lines to capture the essence of a scene.
Another important aspect of Japanese art is its emphasis on craftsmanship. Japanese artists take great pride in their work, and they often spend years perfecting their skills. Japanese art is a fascinating and ever-evolving tradition.
Interested in learning more about it? Take a workshops and practice making Japanese-inspired art yourself! We inspire participants to learn to think like artists. And to share thoughts about the choices they make as they turn a variety of materials into art.
Create your own art. Use whatever materials you like, be as creative as you want. Most importantly, share your art with others. Post it online, give it to friends and family. And start conversations about art, culture and heritage with them. We're sure you'll find it to be a rewarding, peaceful experience.
MINDFUL FOCUS: BEING IN THE MOMENT, NOT IN YOUR HEAD
For conversations to flow, mindful focus means focusing with curiosity on what’s being said in the moment, and saying whatever comes to mind naturally, without scripting. This is a key point in cultural competence: the ability to keep our own and others’ perspectives in mind promoting empathy and pro-social behavior.
Unconscious biases are deeply ingrained in our society, and they can have a significant impact on the way we interact with others. They can have a negative impact on students, staff, and the school community leading to discrimination, stereotyping, and microaggressions.
Smart leadership requires reimagining the way in which we address unconscious biases in schools. It’s important for schools to create a culture where students and staff feel comfortable talking about identity and unconscious bias, and where they are given the tools to address it.
Schools can also address unconscious bias by:
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Providing JASRI's professional development training for staff on identity and unconscious bias. This helps staff to understand how unconscious bias works, and how it can impact their interactions with students and colleagues. This informative training should help staff to understand what unconscious bias is, how it can impact their work, and how to mitigate it.
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Creating a culture of respect, inclusion and understanding. This can be done by promoting diversity and equity, and by creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and families. This culture should be one where students and staff feel comfortable expressing their opinions, and where they are given the opportunity to learn from each other.
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Modeling inclusive and respectful behavior. This means that school leaders and staff should set a good example by modeling inclusive and respectful behavior. They should treat all students, staff, and families with respect, and they should create a culture where everyone feels comfortable speaking up if they see something that’s not right.
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Including diverse perspectives in the curriculum. By learning about and making art inspired by global artisans students learn about different cultures and perspectives, and develop a hands-on appreciation for diversity.
Yes, mindful focus means focusing with curiosity. It's about being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. It's also about being open to other's experiences and learning from them.
Mindful focus can be practiced through making art and having conversations in a space that feels safe... or simply by taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. It's a helpful tool for managing stress, anxiety, even depression. When students are mindful, they're more likely to be aware of their thoughts and feelings, and feel more confident to express them. This can help young people to feel more calm and in control; it can also help to make better decisions. Mindful focus helps young people improve their relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.