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 Matcha (Chado): Experience the tranquility and precision of the Japanese Matcha tea.
• The Art of Calligraphy (Shuji): Learn the meditative practice of ink and brushwork.
• Other Classes: We are excited to expand into crafts like origami, woodblock printing and textiles! Stay tuned to the Discussion section for updates on those upcoming class schedules.

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!