Megumi Inouye is a gift-wrapping and packaging artist. Known for her sustainable wrapping designs and creative innovations, she encourages repurposing, utilizing everyday things around us and using organic and recyclable items. She attributes her passion for gift wrapping to her Japanese heritage and the cultural values that underlie the meaning behind the art of giving. She will intersperse short readings that illuminate these relationships with intervals of audience participation. Her work has been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and in Yahoo! Lifestyle, American Craft Magazine, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Thursday, December 12, 7:00 PM

Drawing on the gift-giving traditions of her Japanese heritage, Inouye explores how the act of giving a thoughtfully wrapped gift can be a creative, caring act for both the giver and the receiver. Using recycled and repurposed materials, Inouye’s approach inspires readers to think intentionally about the presentation of every gift, whether it’s a tip for an unseen hotel housekeeper, a simple gift of fresh fruit for a neighbor, or a special birthday gift for a beloved family member. 

After a lively discussion about her book, how to practice gratitude, mindfulness, and sustainability in all kinds of gift giving, as well as the history and culture of this practice, there will be a short workshop where participants will be able practice creating boxes from recycled materials as their own acts of intentional consideration.