The Black Ships Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, to be held July 15 – 18, offers a variety of events that emphasize both Japanese art and culture. Events include a formal Gala, Japanese Arts & Crafts such as Origami and Ikebana; Martial Arts, and a Japanese Tea Ceremony. A highlight will be the Taiko Drums! Of special interest to flower lovers is a demonstration at 12:30 pm on Saturday, July 17 at the Brick Market of origami bonsai, where artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman will demonstrate his “makigami” paper rolling technique which he uses to make branches for his origami bonsai trees (this demonstration is repeated Sunday at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm). For a complete schedule of events from sushi making to calligraphy lessons to sumo wrestling, log on to www.us-japan.org.