Celebrate the start of spring and the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Join us for a virtual program full of springtime fun for the whole family. Enjoy a lively performance of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming by the group Nen Daiko. Then learn more about the traditions and techniques of their famous taiko drums and other Japanese percussion instruments like shekere (a gourd shaker), chappa (hand-held cymbals), and atarigane (a small bowl-shaped brass instrument played with a hammer-like item called a shumoku). Performers will share the homemade, scaled-down variations of their large instruments that they have been using to practice at home during the global pandemic. After Nen Daiko’s presentation, explore art, nature, and color with SAAM‘s docents in the new virtual edition of our popular educational Art Cart series. Begin by taking a closer look at some of the spring-related artworks in SAAM’s collection. Then enjoy a step-by-step craft activity that you can do at home using materials you likely have on hand. A craft supply list and more information will be available after registration. For more activities, check out our Family Zone for seasonal crafts, coloring pages, videos, and more! This program is presented in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Image Credit: Gloria Kenyon |