‘We Love L.A.’ Family Day at JANM

JANM Free Family Days will present “We Love L.A.” on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave. in Little Tokyo.

In conjunction with “Transpacific Borderlands: The Art of Japanese Diaspora in Lima, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and São Paulo,” JANM hosts a family-friendly day celebrating the diverse mix of cultures that make up Los Angeles.

All-day activities:

• Springtime in Japan — Create your own cherry blossom mobile to hang in your home, inspired by “Prunusplastus,” Erica Kaminishi’s stunning homage to Japan’s famous cherry blossom season.

• Lunchbox Style — What pictures or designs would you put on your lunchbox? Take a look at Shizu Saldamando’s cool drawings of her friends’ lunchboxes, then decorate a box that reflects your own style.

• Coloring Station — Artists like Eduardo Tokeshi and Yuriko Rojas Moriyama use flags in their work as a commentary on identity. Design a flag that represents your identity while learning more about the flag of the City of Los Angeles.

• Ruthie’s Origami Corner — In honor of Dia de los Muertos (Mexico’s Day of the Dead), learn to fold origami calaveras (decorative skulls) and embellish them.

• It’s Veterans Day — Celebrate by writing a note of appreciation to a veteran, which JANM will deliver to the nearby VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center.

Additional activities:

11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Make healthy fusion lettuce wraps with Lisa Fontanesi of Kidding Around the Kitchen. While supplies last.

11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: Listen to traditional tales from Latin America told in a dynamic mix of English and Spanish by Olga Loya. Each storytime lasts 20–25 minutes.

11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Exhibiting artist Ichiro Irie along with collaborator Aska Irie will lead a 2D mixed-media workshop in which participants will create their own collage and tempera painting. Limit 25 participants per session; first come, first served.

2 p.m.–3 p.m.: Join multilingual urban Latin dance theater company Contra-Tiempo for one of their popular Sabor Sessions. Participants will learn Afro-Latin social dance forms such as salsa suelta and Cuban comparsa. No dance experience needed — just come with an open heart and a willingness to move.

3:30 p.m.–4 p.m.: Bring the day to a lyrical close with a mariachi jam session from Japanese singer Roger Del Norte, Downey native Lupita Infante, and the group Mexicapan.

Supported by Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

For more information, call (213) 625-0414 or visit www.janm.org.