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    Columbus Makes Art Presents Origami Artist Karen Tucker

    Karen Tucker has been making and teaching origami since joining Ohio Paper Folders and supporting her origami-obsessed son. She usually attends the CenterFold Origami Convention, July 29 – Aug. 1 at the Crown Plaza North. The convention features instructional classes and an exhibition of origami art. Ohio Paper Folders President Monica Salisbury chatted with Karen about her work.

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    Monica: What drew you to origami?
    Karen: A program at the YMCA teaching the peace crane when I was in elementary school. I was so excited about this amazing new craft that my mother bought me what was probably the only origami book available in Springfield, Ohio in the 60s. When my son was in elementary school, I showed him some models from that same book, and after that my son started teaching me.

    Monica: Do you have a preference in what you fold, and why that? Do you have a favorite model or designer?
    Karen: Coming from a practical-minded household, combining art and function has always been important. The models that I fold over and over tend to be containers (boxes, bags, bowls). Tomoko Fuse and my son Jon Tucker are particular favorites among a long list of designers that I admire.

    Monica: You teach origami as well as create it – why? Do you feel you learn from those you teach?
    Karen: Teaching origami lets me share the excitement I felt when first introduced to origami. Our local origami club, the Ohio Paper Folders, provides numerous teaching opportunities in the community and my communication and teaching skills have grown immensely with the club’s help.

    Monica: What are some benefits of learning origami?
    Karen: Origami can teach listening skills, interpretation of two-dimensional diagrams and the ability to create toys out of any available paper for bored children. Origami is magic; transforming a flat piece of paper into something beautiful, amusing, utilitarian or amazing.

    Karen Tucker making and teaching origami. Photo provided by Ohio Paper Folders.
    Karen Tucker making and teaching origami.
    Photo provided by Ohio Paper Folders.

    Monica: Can you tell us what is the best thing about the current Columbus art scene?
    Karen: We’re in a pandemic! But I am a particular fan of the Columbus Symphony and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

    Monica: Tell us what your favorite food is, your favorite book, movie and song?
    Karen: Fresh Strawberry pie is my absolute favorite food. It’s a Wonderful Life is a movie I never tire of seeing year after year. Luciano Pavarotti singing “Nessun Dorma” is transporting. Picking a favorite book is impossible, but I treasure my first origami book, Origami Made Easy by Kunihiko Kasahara.

    Guests can attend the CenterFold Origami Convention, July 29 – Aug. 1 at the Crown Plaza North (6500 Doubletree Ave., Columbus, OH 43229) for classes, exhibitions and more. For more information or to register for the convention visit ohiopaperfolders.com or call (740) 334-4213.

    Columbus Makes Art Presents is a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council – supporting and advancing the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. The column is a project of the Art Makes Columbus campaign, telling the inspiring stories of the people and organizations who create Columbus art. Learn more about local artists, organizations, public art and events at ColumbusMakesArt.com.

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