Camp Mingei: Craft Camp for Grown-Ups is a three-day experience designed for those who carry a lifelong curiosity for the handmade. Moving beyond the nostalgia of the traditional summer camp, this retreat offers an exploration of craft, utility, and artistry behind the Museum’s exhibitions.
Participants will engage in hands-on workshops led by three distinguished local artists, bridging the gap between historical tradition and contemporary practice. It is an invitation to slow down, honor the integrity of materials, and rediscover the profound joy of making.
Registration includes a daily light breakfast and coffee, an intimate curator-led tour, and all the specialized materials and instruction needed for each workshop.
Day 1 - Beaded Sun Catcher with Aidelen Montoya Day 2 - Woven Spatula with India Thompson Day 3 - Gyotaku Fish Rubbing with Dwight Hwang
Day 2 Schedule 10-10:30am - Welcome, coffee, light breakfast 10:30-11:30am - Guided tour of To Catch a Fish 11:30am-1:30pm - Hands-on Gyotaku fish rubbing workshop and instruction with Dwight Hwang
Gyotaku Workshop with Dwight Hwang While the exhibition _To Catch a Fish _explores the deep bond between humans and the sea, this workshop lets you create a connection of your own. Join us for an immersive session led by Dwight Hwang, a master of the "living impression" who turns the catch of the day into high art.
In this workshop, you’ll explore the traditional art of Gyotaku—a Japanese method of "fish printing" (gyo meaning fish, taku meaning rubbing) originally used by 18th-century fishermen to record their prized catches.
Under Dwight’s expert guidance, you’ll navigate the delicate balance of ink, paper, and scales to capture the fleeting spirit of nature. Come discover how a simple fish can become a timeless masterpiece.
About the Artist Dwight Hwang is a world-renowned master of Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish printing. Born in Los Angeles, Dwight spent over 20 years as a storyboard artist for major live-action movies and animation. During a seven-year stint in Tokyo, he fell in love with the humble fish prints he saw tacked to the walls of local tackle shops.
Dwight eventually left the film industry to dedicate himself to this 18th-century craft. Working from his home studio in Mission Viejo, California, he has pushed the boundaries of the medium. While traditional Gyotaku is often flat and static, Dwight’s "living impressions" use unique angles and perspectives to give his subjects a startling sense of motion, depth, and spirit.
His work has been showcased at the Smithsonian, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, and through partnerships with Patagonia and NOAA. Despite his international acclaim, Dwight remains a craftsman at heart, focused on the quiet, tactile joy of ink and paper.
Image Credit: Hazel Hwang