Holiday tree at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center decorated with fantastical origami creatures
Colorful mermaids, unicorns, angels, centaurs, dragons, Pegasus, a gargoyle and Medusa are adorning the branches of the lighted seven-foot tree in the ʻImiloa atrium, on display into January.
A unique collection of mythical and fantastical creatures folded by origami artist volunteers from across the U.S. and abroad is now on display on the holiday tree at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. The origami figures were originally displayed in 2007 on the holiday tree at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City.
Colorful mermaids, unicorns, angels, centaurs, Pegasus, dragons, a gargoyle and Medusa are adorning the branches of the lighted seven-foot tree in the ʻImiloa atrium. Topping the tree is a dramatic red Kusudama star folded especially for ʻImiloa by Julien Lozi, senior optical scientist at Subaru Telescope.
The intricately folded fantastic creatures are part of an origami collection generously donated to ʻImiloa two years ago by Al Miyatake, who passed away in March. This year’s tree at ʻImiloa is dedicated to him.
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Miyatake was a longtime Japan Airlines manager who for many years created an annual origami holiday tree at the airline’s check-in counter at Kona International Airport. Assisting in his efforts were his mother-in-law, Kyoko Kondo, and many talented friends from Origami USA, the New York-based national origami society that organizes volunteer folders to decorate the tree which has become a nearly 50-year holiday tradition at the American Museum of Natural History.
ʻImiloa’s tree will be on display into January.
About ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi is an outreach center on the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus with an exhibit hall showcasing the nexus of astronomy and Hawaiian culture. Visitors also enjoy a full dome planetarium and nine acres of native gardens. Open to the public, the center welcomes 100,000 visitors a year, including 10,000 schoolchildren on guided field trips.
ʻImiloa is located at the UH Hilo University Park of Science and Technology, 600 ʻImiloa Place, Hilo.
