Curator Linda Mihara is an award-winning origami artist.

The National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS) announced that its next exhibit, “Transforming Kami: The Art of Origami,” will be on display from Sept. 6 to Dec. 31 at the NJAHS Gallery, 1684 Post St. between Laguna and Buchanan in San Francisco’s Japantown.

To celebrate the opening, a reception with light refreshments will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

According to curator Linda Mihara, “Origami is magical. Its appeal is worldwide and spans across the globe to include almost every major city. New origami clubs and conventions are always being planned and formed, and origami exhibits are taking place in more places than ever before.

“ ‘Transforming Kami: The Art of Origami’ will showcase four key fields of origami as an art form: sculpture, realism, whimsy and fantasy. The exhibit brings forth the talents of current origami pioneers who can transform a simple sheet of paper into a beautiful origami sculpture.”

The exhibit illustrates how origami has developed into a true art form. Two of the featured artists are Makoto Yamaguchi from Japan, an authority on origami and one of the most published origami authors, and Dr. Robert J. Lang, known for his intricate origami designs and his exploration of the connection of origami with math and science.

Also contributing to this exhibit are members of a newly formed group, Pacific Rim Origami, whose members include professional origami artists as well as expert teachers of the art. Many of their models in this exhibit are being showcased for the very first time.

“Collectively, these artists have folded the next chapter in origami by pushing the boundaries of paper into breath-taking examples of design,” said a NJAHS spokesperson. “They are creators of realism and skilled technicians of form. It is through their hands that kami (paper) is transformed.”

For more information, call (415) 921-5007 or e-mail njahs@njahs.org.

Related Events

• Peace crane ornament workshop on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 1 to 5 p.m. Limited space available. Call for reservations.

• Origami workshop on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 3 to 4 p.m. Limited space available. Call for reservations. NJAHS raffle drawing at 5 p.m.

• Panel discussion by guest origami artists on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 2 to 5 p.m. Light refreshments served.

• Mayor’s Tree of Hope crane workshop on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 4 p.m. Limited space available. Call for reservations.

All events are free and open to the public.

Peace Gallery hours: 12 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and the first Saturday of the month.