The unveiling of a 10,000 origami crane sculpture will take place on Sunday, March 9 in the lobby of Concord’s Brenden Theater, 1985 Willow Pass Rd. The occasion marks the three-year anniversary of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami as well as the launch of several activities leading up to the October visit of a delegation of visitors from Kitakami, Japan to celebrate Concord’s 40-year Sister City relationship. Entertainment at the unveiling will be provided by Diablo Taiko Drummers.
Creation of the 10,000 cranes came as a result of a community-wide effort to convey a message of friendship and support to Concord’s sister city after the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. A Japanese legend says that if someone is ill, folding 1,000 origami cranes brings wellness. In response to Japan’s devastating tragedy, the Concord community created 10,000 cranes! The Concord Ambassadors, the non-profit organization that manages the sister city relationship, commissioned sculptor Sean Olson to create a hanging sculpture from the folded origami cranes contributed by the community.
“My greatest interest in this project is that the people came together to contribute individually to create a symbolic gesture of support,” said Olson. His sculpture will be available for public viewing through October 2014.
For more information about the Concord Ambassadors, contact City Clerk Mary Rae Lehman, 925-671-3495.
