Online Kintsugi Workshop for Beginners: The Art of Repair

@ Discover the art and philosophy of Kintsugi — the Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with gold — in this beginners workshop! Kintsugi Workshop: The Art of Repair with Mami Takahashi December 12, 2026 10:30am – 1:00pm Workshop Fee: $100 ($70 instruction + $30 Kintsugi kit), plus shipping if applicable. The kit includes specialized tools and materials that participants can continue using for several additional Kintsugi projects after the workshop. Kit Delivery: Register by November 28 to have your kit shipped. Registration closes December 5. Participants registering after November 28 must pick up their kit at IMSS before the workshop. Zoom link will be sent with purchase of tickets! Kintsugi is the Japanese practice of repairing broken ceramics, allowing visible fractures to become part of an object’s continuing history. Traditionally, Kintsugi developed as a practical way to extend the life of treasured objects and is connected to ideas such as mujō (impermanence) and mottainai—respect for resources and a reluctance to waste. In this live online beginner workshop, artist and instructor Mami Takahashi will introduce the history, philosophy, and fundamental process of Kintsugi while guiding participants through a repair using modern, beginner-friendly materials. Each participant will receive a Kintsugi kit containing a prepared broken porcelain practice plate and specialized materials and tools for the workshop. First-time students will work with the provided plate rather than a personal ceramic object so that everyone can learn the repair process together before attempting repairs on their own pieces. Participants will learn the basic stages of assembling and joining broken ceramic, filling and refining repaired areas, preparing the surface, and applying a gold-colored finish. The modern materials used in this introductory workshop provide an accessible introduction to the process while also explaining how it relates to traditional Kintsugi using natural urushi lacquer. Additional Materials: In addition to the provided Kintsugi kit, participants are required to have several basic supplies available at home, including disposable gloves, paper towels, Q-tips/cotton swabs, basic sandpaper, masking tape, a small disposable plate or piece of aluminum foil for mixing, a fine detail/liner paintbrush, epoxy putty, and a small amount of paint thinner/mineral spirits. A detailed supply list with recommended products and purchase links will be provided after registration. No previous Kintsugi experience is required. About Mami Takahashi: Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and a scholar working in multiple cities including Chicago and Tokyo. She earned her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan. With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives in many U.S. communities. Takahashi also aims to connect Japan and communities in Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques. Register on Eventbrite Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live