Bunraku-Style Puppetry with Tom Lee

U-M Center for World Performance Studies visiting puppet artist Tom Lee presents a special workshop exploring Japanese traditional puppetry techniques that have had an enormous influence on world puppetry performance. Following a short talk on bunraku-style puppetry, participants had a hands-on opportunity to handle traditional Japanese puppets and draw back the curtain on how these beautiful puppets are brought to life through skillful puppetry technique. ​​​​​​​

It's Easy Being Green 2015: Plants, Pollinators, and Why They Matter with Joseph Tychonievich, Greensparrow Gardens

Joseph Tychonievich, author of Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener, explains the interesting ways plants have evolved to attract their preferred pollinators. Along with a tour of nature's most creative (and sometimes disgusting) methods of connecting pollinators and plants, Joseph discusses ways to foster biodiversity in your own garden and shows examples of managing garden pests by letting other insects do the dirty work.

Meet Mochimochi Land Creator & Fiber Artist, Anna Hrachovec

Spend the afternoon with Anna Hrachovec - famous Brooklyn knitter, fiber artist and creator of the amazing Mochimochi Land world of tiny knitted toys, creatures and spectacular installations.

Mochimochi Land was launched in 2007 as a place where knitted toys and people can live together in a spirit of tolerance. The characters that inhabit Mochimochi Land are Anna's original designs. Anna finds inspiration in Hello Kitty, Pee-Wee's Playhouse, and illustrators like Dr Seuss and Mary Blair. Anna's knitted toys have been featured on The Martha Stewart Show, all around the web, and in print. The mochimochiland.com website also features Anna's books, kits, and downloadable knitting and cross-stitch patterns. Printed Mochimochi Land patterns and kits are also available.

When she's not designing patterns to share with fellow crafters, Anna creates character-based fiber art, which has been exhibited throughout the US, Europe, and Asia. You can also see her art at annahrachovec.com.

Want to learn how to make some of Anna's fantastic creations yourself? Check out all of her books and exclusively for AADL cardholders get instant access with our NEW collection of downloadable Mochimochi Land patterns - just login into your account to access this one of a kind collection.

Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event: Michigan Innocence Clinic

In conjunction with this year's Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads which focuses on Michelle Alexander's book "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age Of Colorblindness" - Professor David Moran, Co-directer of the Michigan Innocence Clinic, and student lawyers Shannon Leitner, Susan Shutts, and Klara Stephens, discuss their work identifying and rectifying wrongful convictions and their commitment to exonerating innocent individuals and combating injustice.At the Michigan Innocence Clinic at Michigan Law, clinic students investigate and litigate cases on behalf of prisoners who have new evidence that may establish that they are actually innocent of the crimes for which they have been convicted. Unlike many other innocence clinics, which specialize in DNA exonerations, the Michigan Innocence Clinic focuses on innocence cases where there is no biological evidence to be tested. Innocence Clinic students work on all aspects of the cases, including investigating new evidence, preparing state post-conviction motions, conducting hearings and arguing motions in conjunction with these motions, and filing appeals to the state and federal courts. The Clinic has already exonerated several of its clients since its inception in 2009.For more information about Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads, check out the website at aaypsireads.org.This event is for adults and teens (grade 9 and up).

'Gertie' Hirsch, Creater Of The Popular Blog - 'Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing'

Nationally-known sewing expert Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch is a passionate home seamstress, a sought-after sewing teacher, and the creator of one of the most popular sewing blogs on the web - Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing - a place to share tutorials and lively posts about sewing as it relates to fashion history, pop culture, body image, and gender. A sewing enthusiast from Beacon, New York, Gertie has a love of all things retro. Now - meet Gertie in person, right here at AADL!! Hear about her blog, her craft and her book "Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing: A Modern Guide to Couture-Style Sewing Using Basic Vintage Techniques." An extension of her blog, this brand-new book is packed with lessons on couture techniques, customization and Gertie's spirited, modern style. The event includes a book signing and books will be for sale.This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).