Join us for a cultural demonstration of kumihimo, the Japanese art of silk braiding, led by Pete McDonnell in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center.

This introduction and discussion of kumihimo will include its origins and history, traditional and contemporary applications, equipment and materials, and a demonstration of basic braiding techniques on the marudai (round stand). Completed braids will also be on display. Peter invites guests to walk up, ask questions, and take a close-up look at three different kumihimo set-ups, completed works, and relevant literature.

Pete McDonnell is a native of southeastern Washington State, a 40-year resident of Seattle, and a full-time retiree in Manzanita since 2020. He has been making kumihimo braids off-and-on since 1995. Before his retirement, McDonnell had a career as a clinical trials data manager at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, and performed as a singer in a wide variety of musical and theatrical projects.