Note: the March classes have been cancelled due to the coronavirus.
This is a listing of the Special Sessions for March 29, 2020, both morning and afternoon sessions. All classes are held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in the School Lunchrooms. You may register by phone at 212-769-5635. Register online from the main Special Sessions page.
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Family Fun Traditional Models
Here’s the perfect introduction to the world of origami. Learn how to create fun traditional models with an emphasis on the basics such as mountain and valley folds, and accuracy. This is a great opportunity for families to explore the magic of origami together. No experience is necessary. For Family fun (beginner) classes you must be at least 5 years old. Children between 5 and 8 must have a parent or guardian register and take the class with them. Adults without children are also welcome.
Spinners
No need to get yourself into a tizzy. This is one spinning class that won’t leave you winded. Bernice will show you how to fold simple spinning toys by renowned creators known for their sense of fun, such as Paul Jackson and Yami Yamauchi. Get into the spin of things with this dizzying array of action models.
Year of the Rat
Known for their cleverness and tenacity, people born in the Year of the Rat are survivors. You won’t need to struggle to persevere with tricky folds since Donna will be there to guide you. From a Money Mouse to rodents by John Montroll and Kunihiko Kasahara, this is a collection of the cutest mice you’ve ever seen. If you want to make the money mouse with real money, please bring a crisp dollar bill. Otherwise, play money will be provided.
Star of Gratitiude
It’s an ornament, it’s a card, it’s a gift! How’s that for the magic of origami? Although card or photo insertions are optional, Kathryn will teach the model a second time with a flower insert of her own creation. Students should be comfortable with petal folds and reverse petal folds will be demonstrated. Come and be dazzled. Class size limited to 10.
Modular Festival Flowers
Spring has just sprung, so get into the mood with these flowery modulars. Although not quite flowers, these 8-piece flat modulars by Mette Pedersen have a floral appearance and easily lend themselves to be used on cards, packages and as ornaments. Let Alice share her enthusiasm for these fun folds with you. This is a fantastic way to use some of those duo floral papers in your stash!
Swirl Stars
Wow! That’s the only word for these gorgeous creations by the Shumakovs. Start off with the easy Spiral Star and proceed to ever more complex assemblies. Maddalena will have plenty of samples to show off and will get you started on the Spiral Star Spring and the Spiral Star Torus which are fun kinetic toys. You will not be able to complete these latter models in the time allotted since they take up to 192 modules but you will learn how to connect and lock the pieces. Experience with modulars and familiarity with preliminary/waterbomb bases will be helpful.
Shark
Duh-dunn, duh-dunn…you don’t have to get wet for a close encounter with Jaws. Oriol Esteve is justifiably proud of this cartoon-like shark with its wonderful color changes in the belly and teeth. The folding sequence is both clever and straightforward. No need to be afraid of this menace. Wade into the waters with Daniel and you’ll be safe and have fun too.
Dollar Hearts
Show your love of origami with these iconic heart models. The Flower Heart, also known as the $ Change of Heart, has the perfect spot to fit a quarter snugly. Nowadays, it probably takes a $5 bill to make a reasonable tip but it’s still an ideal way to show off your appreciation, as well as your origami skills. Ros will also teach her dollar bill adaptation of Francis Ow’s ever-popular Double Heart. A dollar bill ring might be added as time permits. Students should bring crisp dollar bills for folding.