
What we’re about
About Zen & Zest: Japanese Art & Culture Workshops.
Welcome to your creative sanctuary in Northern Virginia.
Are you looking for a way to slow down, find your focus, and discover the beauty of Japanese? Whether you are a long-time admirer of Japanese culture or a complete beginner looking for a unique hobby, Zen & Zest is the place for you.
Based at the vibrant Nova Labs makerspace, our group is dedicated to bringing authentic, hands-on Japanese art and craft workshops to the community.
What we do: We host immersive, beginner-friendly workshops that blend mindfulness with skill-building. Our sessions are designed to be a "Zen" escape from the daily grind while adding a "Zest" for life through creativity and community.
Our current workshops include:
-The Way of Tea (Chado): Experience the tranquility and precision of the Japanese tea.
-The Art of Calligraphy (Shuji): Learn the meditative practice of ink and brushwork.
Looking ahead: While we are starting with tea and calligraphy, our community is constantly growing! In the future, we plan to expand into other crafts such as origami, fabric arts, and more.
Who should join?
-Anyone interested in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.
-Creatives and "makers" looking to learn a new traditional craft.
-Those seeking a mindful, relaxing social environment.
-People who want to meet fellow culture-enthusiasts in Fairfax.
Join us to start your journey into the heart of Japanese art. We can't wait to create something beautiful with you!
Featured event

Zen & Zest: Japanese Art & Tea Classes Kick-Off Event! 🍵🖌️
Hello!
If you are looking for a creative way to kick off 2026, I’m excited to invite you to our special launch event: Zen & Zest: Japanese Art & Tea Kick-off event. It’s a great way to meet local neighbors and learn something beautiful.
Launch Details:
When: Sunday, January 4th, 2026
Where: Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Details: An introductory event on Japanese calligraphy and the traditional tea (Macha). You can see more about the space and sign up here: https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6468231
Hope to see you there!
Upcoming events
1

Zen & Zest: Japanese Art & Tea Classes Kick-Off Event! 🍵🖌️
Location not specified yetHello!
If you are looking for a creative way to kick off 2026, I’m excited to invite you to our special launch event: Zen & Zest: Japanese Art & Tea Kick-off event. It’s a great way to meet local neighbors and learn something beautiful.
Launch Details:
When: Sunday, January 4th, 2026
Where: Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Details: An introductory event on Japanese calligraphy and the traditional tea (Macha). You can see more about the space and sign up here: https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6468231
Hope to see you there!1 attendee