Isamu Noguchi and R. Buckminster "Bucky" Fuller were two pivotal figures in 20th century art and design. Nisei, Shoji Sadao, director emeritus of the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, trustee of the Isamu Noguchi Foundation, and principal of architecture firm Fuller and Sadao, was introduced to Noguchi by Bucky Fuller when he was an architecture student at Cornell University. Founder, and first President, now Chairwoman of the Board of Director of the Buckminster Fuller Institute, Allegra Fuller Snyder, is Bucky's only child. Professor Emerita of Dance and Dance Ethnology at UCLA, she has a unique window on their relationship. Join Sadao and Fuller Snyder as they discuss the legacy of a friendship that continues to influence the nature of art, architecture, and design in this country and beyond. Advanced reservations required. FREE with admission to Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design. For reservations or more information, call 213.625.0414.

Bust of Buckminster Fuller
38 x 20.5 x 20.5 cm
Chromium-plated bronze
Loan: Southern Illinois University Museum

Naomi Hirahara's new novel is the third in a series featuring one of mystery fiction's most unique heroes: Mas Arai, a curmudgeonly Los Angeles gardener and Hiroshima survivor.

In Snakeskin Shamisen, Mas hates to stick his nose in other people's business, but a favor to a friend soon has him caught up in a mystery that reaches from the islands of Okinawa to the streets of Los Angeles--a world of heartbreaking memories, deception, and murder. Reception to follow.

Snakeskin Shamisen will be available for sale in May through the Museum Store Online or toll-free at 888.769.5559.

Instructor Chester Hashizume leads a comprehensive workshop covering genealogy basics such as getting started, identifying your ancestral Japanese home town, obtaining and utilizing family documents, and determining the meaning behind surnames and family crests--all the tools you need to discover your roots.

This five hour intensive session includes a one-hour break. $45 for National Museum members and $55 for non-members, includes materials and Museum admission.

A three-part composition created by Dave Iwataki, J-Town/Bronzeville Suite explores a fascinating and seldom told chapter of Los Angeles' history. While Japanese Americans were incarcerated, newly arrived African Americans from the South settled in Little Tokyo, where they remained until the War's end. Known as "Bronzeville," it became a community hub with restaurants and clubs featuring some of the most recognized names in jazz.

The debut performance of J-Town/Bronzville Suite includes members of Kokin Gumi and local jazz musicians. Pre-performance talk by Martha Nakagawa. Reception to follow. Seating extremely limited. Reservations required.

Closing of the exhibition Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design

Design elaborate knots using paper cords making the perfect accessory for a special card or gift.

$8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, includes supplies and Museum admission. Reservations are recommended.