Foundations of Japanese Brush Calligraphy

Class Description: Discover the art of Chinese and Japanese brush calligraphy in this four-week studio experience designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike. While rooted in the broader brush traditions of East Asia, this course will focus on the three scripts of the Japanese language: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Students will learn foundational brush techniques and explore the cultural significance of each script. No knowledge of Japanese is required. The methods taught are also valuable for those interested in Chinese calligraphy. In the final two sessions, students will create a calligraphy art piece to take home.

Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept 2 - Sept 30, 2025

Time: 7:15pm-9:15pm

Location: Lower Epperson Bldg., room EA B101. CAMPUS MAP

Instructor: Tracie Whiting Kipper is a Japanese language lecturer and adult language education specialist with over 20 years of experience in international education. She has taught Japanese at the Kansas City Art Institute for 17 years and has worked extensively with college students, adult learners, and community members. Tracie is the founder of My Nihongo Lessons, an online learning platform focused on practical strategies for self-study and long-term fluency. She brings a deep passion for Japanese calligraphy into her teaching, blending cultural insight, communicative approaches, and literacy-based methods to help adults build confidence and joy in learning Japanese.Supplies: The instructor will contact registered students directly regarding materials and supplies.

Parking: Parking is available in any of the (NON-RESERVED) KCAI parking lot spaces across campus. RESERVED spaces are available after 5pm on the weekdays and all day on the weekends. There is also available street parking surrounding KCAI campus. 

Refund: Registered participants can receive refunds to the original payment method (Studio Fee minus Humanitix Fee) up to 14 days before the first class.