Tea Ceremony Demonstration 1:30 pm
2025-04-27 13:30 - 14:30 UTC | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene setting.
Join us for an unforgettable journey into the elegance and mindfulness of Japanese tradition. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today!
Ticket holders are invited to observe the peace and quietude of this traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and enjoy a cup of green tea and a Japanese sweet.
*THIS TICKET IS FOR THE 1:30 PM DEMONSTRATION
The tea ceremony (called cha-no-yu, sadō, or chadō in Japanese) incorporates strict etiquette, which serves as the foundation of its choreographed movements and gives the experience its overall form and aesthetic. Participants are meant to involve all of the senses and experience a serene feeling of spiritual discipline, harmony and tranquility. There are many schools of tea ceremony, but here at Shinzen Garden, guests will experience the Omote-Senke style. The Omote-Senke school is one of three san-senke schools whose founding tea master is Sen no Rikyū. Each school has subtle stylistic differences and varying techniques, but the Omote-Senke school is distinguished by its tea whisking style and the thin foam created by this technique.
Our tea ceremony will be performed by Terumi Takahashi, trained by the School of Omeote-Senke in Kyoto, Japan.

Tea Ceremony Demonstration 11 am
2025-04-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene setting.
Join us for an unforgettable journey into the elegance and mindfulness of Japanese tradition. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today!
Ticket holders are invited to observe the peace and quietude of this traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and enjoy a cup of green tea and a Japanese sweet.
*THIS TICKET IS FOR THE 11:00 am DEMONSTRATION
The tea ceremony (called cha-no-yu, sadō, or chadō in Japanese) incorporates strict etiquette, which serves as the foundation of its choreographed movements and gives the experience its overall form and aesthetic. Participants are meant to involve all of the senses and experience a serene feeling of spiritual discipline, harmony and tranquility. There are many schools of tea ceremony, but here at Shinzen Garden, guests will experience the Omote-Senke style. The Omote-Senke school is one of three san-senke schools whose founding tea master is Sen no Rikyū. Each school has subtle stylistic differences and varying techniques, but the Omote-Senke school is distinguished by its tea whisking style and the thin foam created by this technique.
Our tea ceremony will be performed by Terumi Takahashi, trained by the School of Omeote-Senke in Kyoto, Japan.

3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - April 26
2025-04-26 08:30 - 12:00 | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States
Join us April 26, 2025 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space.
Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help preserve the garden’s tranquility and charm. No prior gardening experience is necessary—our team will provide guidance and tools.
Bring your enthusiasm, comfortable clothing, and a spirit of teamwork! Together, we can ensure Shinzen Garden remains a vibrant sanctuary for all to enjoy.
What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, gloves, water bottle, and a hat.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Sip & Sculpt Workshop
2025-04-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States
Unwind in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden with our Sip & Sculpt experience! Enjoy a soothing cup of green tea while tapping into your creativity to craft a clay sculpture inspired by nature and Japanese art. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this relaxing and hands-on workshop is the perfect way to express yourself in a serene setting.
In this 2-hour hand-building workshop, you’ll learn essential techniques to shape and create your own unique clay vessel—your final design is up to you! Guided by Paige from PMIllustrations, you’ll explore form and craftsmanship in a fun, hands-on experience. You will be guided by Paige, of PMIllustrations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, Paige is bringing the energy, creativity, and expert guidance to ensure we leave with something amazing—besides just clay-covered hands!
Come sip, sculpt, and find your Zen! 🌸✨ Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
All materials included | no experience necessary
Meet the instructor:
Paige Mason is an illustrator born and raised in Fresno, California where she currently lives with her family of five. Paige obtained her Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Art with an Illustration Emphasis from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock. She is currently teaching elementary visual art, and on track to receive her Masters degree in the Arts of Education with a Single Subject credential in Visual Art. A few of the children’s book titles Paige has illustrated include I Grab the Mic, I Love Everything About Me, and most recently Blexi Play!, and Art’s Art.
Paige enjoys creating illustrations for stories that are influenced by joy, whimsy, and children’s imaginations. She is a current art studio tennant at M Street Arts Complex where she participates in Fresno’s monthly Art Hop. She has artwork displayed at Scarab Arts for the current show Down With the Clique curated by Tyler Alce, and artwork displayed for Another Level Training Academy’s current exhibit Black Hair: A Visual Anthology. Both shows will conclude February 27th. Paige Mason is a current resident artist through AIRs – Breakbox Thought Collective in which she will be offering a children’s illustration/character workshop, and preparing for a solo artist show.

Free Garden Tour April 12 at 11 am
2025-04-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States
Join us for a free docent-led tour on select weekends, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of its serene landscapes and cultural significance. During the tour, our knowledgeable docents guide guests through the garden’s features, including the Clark Bonsai Collection, stroll gardens, traditional architecture, and tea houses, offering insights into Japanese culture and garden design.
The tours are approximately 1.5 hours long and free to the public with paid garden entry.

Botanical Watercolor Class #2
2025-04-12 10:30 | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States
Join us for a serene and inspiring Botanical Watercolor Class at Shinzen Garden, led by talented artist Noelle Correia. Immerse yourself in the timeless art of botanical illustration, learning both its rich history and essential watercolor techniques. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Shinzen Garden, participants will work with live plant specimens as their subjects, capturing the delicate details of nature through guided instruction. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this class offers a unique opportunity to refine your skills in a peaceful, outdoor setting.
Materials Included: Participants will receive a watercolor sketchbook and all necessary supplies for the class. Come explore the art of watercolor in a tranquil, garden setting—no experience necessary! 🌸

Intro to Japanese Language Course
2025-04-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Shinzen Office, 323 W. Cromwell, Suite 101, Fresno, 93711, United States
Introduction to Japanese
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Japanese language in the serene setting of Shinzen Garden! This beginner-friendly class will introduce you to essential Japanese phrases, pronunciation, and basic writing systems. Whether you’re interested in travel, culture, or simply expanding your language skills, this class provides a fun and engaging way to get started.
No prior language experience needed!
This is a 2-week course and will occur on April 8, 10, 15 & 17 at 3:00 pm.
Join us for a unique learning experience surrounded by nature. Limited spots available—reserve yours today!

Botanical Watercolor Class #1
2025-04-05 10:30 - 12:30 | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States

Niwa-zukuri: The Art of Japanese Garden Pruning
2025-03-29 11:00 - 13:00 | Shinzen Friendship Garden, 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, 93720, United States
Discover the timeless techniques of Japanese garden pruning in this hands-on workshop led by Steve DaSilva, a Certified Aesthetic Pruner with over 20 years of experience.
Participants will learn the fundamental principles of Niwa-zukuri (Japanese garden design) and the specialized pruning methods used to maintain the harmony, balance, and natural beauty of Japanese landscapes. Through guided instruction and live demonstrations, attendees will gain insight into selective pruning, branch structure, and seasonal care to enhance the health and artistry of their own gardens.
Whether you’re a home gardener or a landscape professional, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of Japanese garden aesthetics. Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
$25 for members | $45 for non-members
