Author: Julie Mullen

30 Oct

Posted at 11:04h in News

On November 9, unleash your inner Ariel during mermaid training at Hilton West Palm Beach.

Hit the pool and learn how to become an aquatic princess with Vero Beach Mermaid! Led by world-famous PADI mermaiden, Brandee Anthony, the immersive, 60-minute class will teach kids and adults how to safely swim, kick, dive, and tread water gracefully while wearing a colorful mermaid tail and monofin. The fun-filled day will end with a mermaid photoshoot. We think Poseidon would approve.

Two sessions are offered at 9am and 10:15am.

Session 1: "Discover Mermaid" is open to kids ages 6 to 9.

Session 2: "Basic Mermaid" is open to adults and kids ages 10 and up.

Cost is $75 for Session 1; $155 for Session 2.

For more information or to register, visit mermaidfreedive.com/hilton-november.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

 

29 Oct

Posted at 14:55h in News

Tuck into a happy Thanksgiving, November 28, at Galley in West Palm Beach. Located inside Hilton West Palm Beach, the popular steak and seafood restaurant and executive chef Miguel Santiago will present a three-course prix fixe menu including a fork-dueling dessert that will have your sweet tooth feeling extra grateful.

 

Thanksgiving prix fixe menu:

APPETIZER

(Choice of one)

Butternut Squash Bisque

Spicy roasted pepitas, chive cream fraiche, green pumpkin seed oil

Grilled Peach Salad

Frizee, arugula, roasted kombucha, spicy pickled onions,

goat cheese, cranberry dressing

ENTRÉE

Turkey Breast Roulade

Dark meat stuffing, cranberry thyme orange sauce,

sweet potato pave, haricot verts, sliced toasted almonds,

crispy shallots, cornbread

DESSERT

Gooey Pumpkin Pie

Cinnamon whipped cream, cake crumble

   

Cost is $75 per adult, and $35 for children 12 and under. Tax and gratuity not included. For reservations, click here.

Limited a la carte menu will also be available.

Galley’s Thanksgiving hours are 2pm to 10 pm.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

28 Oct

Posted at 10:39h in News

Experience the most unforgettable events at The Mall at Wellington Green. November’s programming highlights include an exciting health and wellness expo and family-friendly pursuits to Santa’s anticipated holiday arrival. Come for the fun and stay for the thrill at Wellington’s favorite mall.

Wellington Regional Medical Center Lung Health Event

Saturday, November 2

10am – 2pm

City Furniture Court

This special event aims to raise awareness about lung cancer and highlight the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment options. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with healthcare professionals, learn about risk factors, screening methods, and the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment. There will also be educational materials, interactive exhibits, and a potentially life-saving opportunity for current and former smokers to be screened for early detection of lung cancer.

Kids Club Mommy & Me Thanksgiving Party

Wednesday, November 13

10:30am – 12pm

Grand Court

Free

Parents and children under five are invited to an early thanksgiving celebration. Guests will enjoy fun, interactive activities and performances including Thanksgiving arts and crafts and Patty Shukla’s Primary Songs Show. Snacks will also be served.

The Giving Tree

November 14 – December 8

The Ice Palace in Grand Court

Give the gift of sharing this holiday season! Visit the mall’s Giving Tree located in The Ice Palace in Grand Court. From November 14 to December 8, shoppers can select a tag from The Giving Tree, purchase and wrap the items listed, and return the gifts to The Ice Palace. Gifts will benefit the Back-to-Basics Angel Program which provides over 10,000 needy children in Palm Beach County with clothing and necessities. For more information on the Back-to-Basics Angel Program, visit backtobasicsinc.org/angel-program-1.

Santa Photos at The Ice Palace

November 14 – December 24

Hours vary

The Ice Palace in Grand Court

Children always look forward to a magical visit with Santa Claus at The Mall at Wellington Green. Get snapped with Santa at The Ice Palace and tell him what you’re wishing for this year! To book online, visit bit.ly/wellsanta1.

Santa’s Arrival and PJ Party

Friday, November 15

6–7:30pm

The District at Wellington Green

Free

Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa’s official escalator arrival at The Mall at Wellington Green will ramp up with an ultimate pajama party featuring non-stop musical entertainment, including special performances by Frozen’s Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, along with photo ops, holiday cookie cakes, and more.

BFF Black Friday Brunch

Friday, November 29

10am – 12pm

Free

The District at Wellington Green

Take a break from Black Friday shopping and enjoy a delicious brunch and mimosa bar, catered by Sandy James Catering. Enjoy gift card giveaways, swag bags, fun photo ops, and DJ entertainment. Plus, the first 250 guests will receive a complimentary BFF swag bag.

Zumba Dance Party with Jaime

Every Saturday

10:30–11:30am

Free

The District at Wellington Green

Livin' La Vida Zumba! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s fun, dance fitness party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. All ages and levels are welcome.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

About The Mall at Wellington Green 

The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million square foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Wellington, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

28 Oct

Posted at 10:17h in News

November workshops, classes, and demonstrations:

Saturday, November 2

Families Reading Together Kick-Off Event

In partnership with the Palm Beach County Library System Time: 10am – 1pm Cost: FREE with paid museum admission. Children presenting a valid library card from any Palm Beach County library will receive free admission along with one accompanying adult.

Reading with your family is an important bonding experience. Children and their families are encouraged to celebrate Families Reading Together this year at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. For this year’s theme come dressed as your favorite book or comic character.

Give the gift of a Morikami Membership! For this one day only renewals and new members can get an extra month on their annual membership! Special is only available in-person, does not apply to online membership sales.

Schedule of Free Activities:

  • Great Book Giveaway (Sakai Room)
  • Family Fun Activity
  • Kamishibai Storytelling in the Theater (20 mins.)
    • 11:00am – Magic Tea Kettle
    • 11:30am – The Goblin, the Water Imp, and the Thunder God
    • 12:00pm – The Peach Boy, Momotaro
    • 12:30pm – Kon and Pon
  • Palm Beach County Bookmobile (front entrance)

Saturday, November 2

Tea Ceremony (W) Time: 1pm – 3pm Cost: $60 Advance Registration Required

The workshop teaches the basics of sadō – The Way of Tea - necessary to understand the aesthetics of sadōand to fully enjoy the tea ceremony itself. Participants become familiar with how to be a guest, how to make a bowl of tea, and serve it.

Sundays, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 8

The Art of Bonsai (C) Time: Beginners – 12:30pm – 3:30pm

           Intermediate - 9am – 12pm Cost: $100 (Morikami Members $90) Advance Registration Required Bonsai means "a tree in a tray." The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container.

Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19

Ikebana Flower Arrangement - Ikenobo School Time: Beginners - 11am – 1pm

           Intermediate – 1:15pm – 3:15pm*

Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.

Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy.

Wednesdays, November 6, 13, 20

Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School

Time: Beginners - 10:30am –12:30pm

           Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm*

Cost: $67.50 (Morikami Members $60) Advance Registration Required Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience.

Saturday, November 9

Shibori Indigo – Tenugui

Time: 10am – 3pm Cost: $75 Advance Registration Required

The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori is a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing used to make patterns on fabrics. Learn various shibori techniques and create a tenugui cloth towel for your home or personal use.

Saturday, November 9 Film Screening: AKIRA

Time: 11am

(124 mins., 1988, Rated R, Sci-fi, Anime) (In Japanese, subtitled in English) Cost: $5  

In the year of 2019, thirty one years after World War III, Tokyo has been rebuilt into Neo-Tokyo a modern metropolis. A secret military project endangers New-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.

Saturday, November 9

The Cultural Significance of AKIRA – Talk by Curators Stefan Riekeles and Hiroko Myokam Time: 1:30 pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission)

Join the curators of the exhibition AKIRA: The Architecture of Neo-Tokyo for an introduction to the production process of Japanese animation in general and to the details of the classic ground-breaking animated film AKIRA’s genesis. Hiroko Myokam will highlight the archiving situation of these important artifacts of a historic milestone in animation history in today’s industry. Stefan Riekeles will elaborate on the specific cultural value of AKIRA’s background artwork which continues to inspire artists and an audience alike to this day.

Hailing from Stuttgart, Germany, Stefan Riekeles is a graduate of Humboldt University, Berlin and the Technical University, Berlin. He is an animation historian and exhibition curator of several internationally touring exhibitions of original anime background art, most notably Proto Anime Cut (Berlin, Dortmund, Barcelona, Madrid, Tallinn, Basel, 2011-2013), Anime Architecture (Berlin, London, Sydney, Delray Beach, 2016-2019), AKIRA - The Architecture of Neo Tokyo (Berlin, Delray Beach, 2022 & 2024) and Cityscapes in Anime Background Art (Kanazawa, 2023). He founded Riekeles Gallery in 2021. His most recent publication is Anime Architecture - Imagined Worlds and Endless Megacities (Thames & Hudson, 2020).

Hiroko Myokam is from Ishikawa, Japan and a graduate of the University of Tsukuba, School of Art and Design, the Academy of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences (IAMAS) and completed an MA in Media Art Histories at the University of Danube. After working as a curator at the SKIPCITY Museum of the Moving Image (2004-2007) and the NTT InterCommunication Center (2007-2009), she was a visiting researcher at the Inter Media Art Institute Düsseldorf, Germany (2013-2018). In 2018, she co-founded the Eizo Workshop with Noriyuki Kimura. She is currently a curatorial researcher of SIAF Lab, a director of the Toshio Iwai Archive & Research, and a part-time lecturer at the Kanazawa College of Art and Kyoto Seika University.

Sundays, November 10, 17

Sado: Tea Ceremony Time: Beginners - 10:15am -12:15pm*

           Intermediate – 1pm-3pm

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required

Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering. *Sunday Beginner’s II Class Prerequisite - You must have already taken a Thursday beginner’s I class session or a workshop to attend Sunday classes.

Thursdays, November 14, 21

Sado: Tea Ceremony Time: Beginners - 10:15am -12:15pm

           Intermediate – 1pm-3pm

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required

Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.

Saturday, November 16 Sado: The Way of Tea Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.

Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.

Saturday, November 16

Introduction to the Art of Kintsugi Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm

Cost: $70 Advance Registration Required Kintsugi an inspired version of the traditional Japanese art form of mending broken pottery with gold powder.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

16 Oct

Posted at 15:18h in News

Janssen Custom Home Builders, LLC has broken ground on its first signature home in Tesoro Club, a 1,490-acre premier gated golf club community located in the heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast. Janssen Custom Home Builders joins an impressive roster of luxury signature builders at Tesoro Club, including AR Homes - Beachland, Ecclestone Signature Homes and GHO Homes.

Janssen’s unique custom home at 219 Bella Strano will feature 3,640 square feet of living space with five bedrooms; a den; four, full baths; three-car garage; open-concept great room; kitchen; family room with high-vaulted ceilings; eight-foot doors; oversized interior trim; 48x48 porcelain floor tile; custom cabinetry with quartz countertops and Thermidor appliances, as well as plumbing fixtures by Kohler and Toto – all done in a modern setting with fabulous outdoor living space.

Dailey Janssen Architects, which designed the home, has been a high-end residential designer in Palm Beach and surrounding areas for the past three decades.  Roger Janssen, principal, has honed a dynamic practice with his team, adapting the one-off custom design approach to a wide array of project typologies.

Benno “Chip” Janssen III and Kenneth Schwebel, both managing partners of Janssen Custom Home Builders, along with two of Tesoro Club’s partners, Timothy Jones and Roderick O’Connor, helped break the ground for the new home. They were joined by Beverly Stacey, Sales Operations Manager for Tesoro Club; Mark Durno, Construction Consultant for Tesoro Club; and Bobby Barfield, Tesoro Club Broker.

“Janssen is known for creating exquisite residences on Palm Beach Island, in Palm Beach Gardens, and on Jupiter Island and we are thrilled that they are bringing their custom work to Tesoro Club,” said Timothy Jones, Managing Partner, Tesoro Club. “Janssen exemplifies the high standards our buyers demand and the world-class amenities we offer.”

Over the past two years, Tesoro Club has undergone an extensive rebirth under a visionary new

ownership team led by Timothy Jones, Roderick O’Connor and Tucker Frederickson.  The partners are bringing this private, master-planned community to a new level of distinction, each offering in-depth real estate and private club experience. Read more about the team here.

Homes in Tesoro Club range from 2,000 to 7,500 square feet and are priced in the high $600s to over $4.5 million. Tesoro Club’s popular Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course re-opened last year after an extensive 18-month renovation and served as home to the qualifying event for the PGA Tour Cognizant Classic in February.

Builders in Tesoro Club are WCI Communities by Lennar and Toll Brothers, along with signature luxury home builders AR Homes - Beachland, Ecclestone Signature Homes, GHO Homes and Janssen Custom Home Builders, LLC.

About Tesoro Club

Tesoro Club is located 20 minutes north of the Palm Beaches on Florida’s Treasure Coast. An enviable location surrounded by endless waterways, pristine beaches, and a relaxed Florida lifestyle, Tesoro Club offers private club, social and golf memberships, which include two Clubhouses, 9 Har-Tru tennis courts (five of which are lighted), 11 pickleball courts (five of which are lighted), two dining venues, a fitness center, a full-service spa, and a heated swimming pool. Tesoro Club is also home to two 18-hole championship golf courses.

For more information on Membership or available real estate, the community’s Welcome Center is now open daily at 125 SE Via Tesoro Blvd., Port St. Lucie.  Visit TesoroClub.com or call 772-345-4000 or call Tesoro Club Realty at 772-345-4050 for more information.

16 Oct

Posted at 15:10h in News

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has announced the appointment of Robert “Bobby” Kane III as the newest member of its Board of Directors.

A litigation shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s West Palm Beach office, Kane focuses his complex commercial litigation practice on corporate, products liability, real estate, and construction law. He has broad experience handling general commercial litigation matters in high stakes “bet the company” litigation. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit and County Court Mediator and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” for commercial litigation, 2021-2024.

Additionally, Kane is actively involved in professional and community organizations, including serving as co-chair of the Palm Beach County Bar Association Civil Practice Committee. Previously, he served as advisory board chair and as a board member of Best Buddies of Florida. Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, Kane was a student-athlete at the University of Florida, where he obtained his degrees and was part of two college football national championship teams with the Florida Gators.

“Bobby will be a great addition to our YMCA board of directors, and we’re honored to have him join us,” said Tim Coffield, President and CEO, YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “His vast experience and community involvement will be instrumental as we continue our expansion initiatives throughout our territory within Palm Beach County.”

“It’s a privilege to join the board of directors for the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, an organization that has strengthened the foundations of our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Kane. “I look forward to working closely with the other board members to support the YMCA’s mission and continue serving the needs of our community.”

 

About YMCA of the Palm Beaches The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has served the Palm Beach County community for more than 100 years, providing essential programs, activities, and services for thousands of children, seniors, and families annually. The Y’s mission is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, regardless of the ability to pay. The organization has an active Capital Campaign to build a new community center. Learn more at ymcapalmbeaches.org and follow on Instagram @ymcapalmbeaches.

11 Oct

Posted at 14:46h in News
On Wednesday, October 23, at 7pm, enjoy an oenophilic tour of celebrated vintages beneath a blanket of stars at Galley located at Hilton West Palm Beach.
Inspired by the world’s most illustrious terroirs, guests will savor a five-course feast presented by Galley’s executive chef Rodrigo Mezadri. Each course will be complemented by live music and fine wine from Huneeus Wines. The evening’s special guest is Huneeus Wines’ ambassador, Alex Valdes, who will present tasting notes on each tantalizing pour. The evening’s menu:  

FIRST COURSE

Porcini Mushroom Beignet American Hackleback Caviar | Dill Crema

Featured wine: Illumination Sauvignon Blanc

SECOND COURSE

Coal Roasted Beet Tartar Fermented Blackberry | Whipped Goat Cheese | Chervil | Egg Yolk Purée

Featured wine: Flowers Pinot Noir

THIRD COURSE

Smoked Airline Chicken Coal Roasted Heirloom Carrots and Scallion | Funghi Porcini Espuma

Featured wine: Faust Cabernet Sauvignon

FOURTH COURSE Woodfire Lamb Rack Charred Belgium Endive | Mint Gremolata | Demi-Glace

Featured wine: Quintessa 2021

FIFTH COURSE

Chocolate Crème Brulée Biscotti | Macerated Blueberries

Featured wine: The Pact

 
Cost is $175 per person. Seating is limited. Complimentary valet. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.    

10 Oct

Posted at 10:50h in News
Salud! Fine kitchen supplies purveyor, Lifetime Kitchen at The Mall at Wellington Green will host The Riedel Wine Tasting Experience on October 29, from 7-8pm.   Riedel's brand ambassador will take guests on an oenophilic journey, where they'll sip, sniff, and swirl four varietal wines, enjoy light bites, and learn how crystal glassware can affect a grape's aroma and flavor.   Featured wines include: Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Oaked Chardonnay Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc   Participants will receive 10% off all in-store purchases and take home a complimentary Riedel Veloce Wine Tasting Set (valued at $180).   Cost is $109.99 per person.   To register, click HERE.   For more information, call (561) 370-3891 or visit lifetime-kitchen.com.  

07 Oct

Posted at 12:12h in News

As part of its ongoing mission to increase survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by elevating public awareness on the importance of screening and early detection, Promise Fund has partnered with the Florida Panthers and Baptist Health Cancer Care for its 3rd annual Pink in the Rink event, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

The event will honor those currently battling breast cancer, as well as those who have overcome it, and showcase the dedicated members of the local medical community who work fearlessly to help their patients overcome the disease.

“We are both humbled and honored to partner with our hometown Stanley Cup Championship team,” said Nancy Brinker, Promise Fund Founder. “The Florida Panthers and Baptist Health Cancer Care have become invaluable partners in helping us amplify our mission to ensure women in our community have an opportunity to get screened and receive potentially life-saving information on early detection.”

“For the third year in a row, we are so proud to partner with Promise Fund and Baptist Health Cancer Care to present this special night at a Panther game,” said President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito. “Please join us and support in any way you can, sharing your story, wearing pink, or sharing a message with individuals who need to hear it. Let’s fight together.”

All fans in attendance will receive a pink LED baton courtesy of Baptist Health Care Center, with a portion of general admission tickets benefitting Promise Fund. ABOUT PROMISE FUND Promise Fund, founded in 2018, is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond. To learn more, visit thepromisefund.org. Follow on Instagram @thepromisefund and on Facebook @PromiseFundofFL.

 

ABOUT THE FLORIDA PANTHERS The Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup championship in their 30th anniversary season in 2023-24 following a thrilling seven-game Stanley Cup Final series with the Edmonton Oilers. The NHL’s southernmost team, the Panthers have earned a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past two seasons and reached the postseason in a club-record five consecutive campaigns. Under President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito and Head Coach Paul Maurice the Cats are a tenacious, dynamic and exciting team led by captain Aleksander Barkov, superstar forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. At home in Sunrise, Fla., at Amerant Bank Arena, the Panthers welcome fans from the tri-county area, the South Florida region and beyond. An organization with deep roots in the community, their pillar program ‘Heroes Among Us’ honors a United States military veteran at every game.

07 Oct

Posted at 09:55h in News

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will serve as the exclusive U.S. venue for AKIRA: The Architecture of Neo-Tokyo, an unprecedented exhibition presenting the original background artwork of the classic science-fiction animation.

The exhibit, which runs November 9, 2024 through April 6, 2025, traces the architectural world-building process of Japan’s most influential animated science fiction film, AKIRA. To highlight the artists, designers and director of the meticulous backdrops that bring to life the futuristic urban environments of this classic anime, co-curators Stefan Riekeles of Reikeles Gallery, Potsdam, Germany and Hiroko Kimura-Myokam of Eizo Workshop, Kaga City, Japan, spent years compiling these hand-drawn works of art.

Since its release in 1988, AKIRA was almost solely responsible for the boom in Japanese animation (anime) among an international audience during the early 1990s. For many viewers AKIRA was the first film that they perceived as anime – as specifically Japanese animation. As such, it had a tremendous influence on a whole generation of film enthusiasts. Much of AKIRA’s cinematic power stems from the opulent representation of the film’s iconic city of Neo-Tokyo.

More than 50 original production backgrounds, layout drawings and concept designs which had been used to create Neo-Tokyo in the animated feature will be on display. Exclusive access to the studio archives of the artists involved in AKIRA’s production allows the presentation of artworks that are rarely shown outside of Japan and only very few of them have ever been published. The exhibition includes works by Toshiharu Mizutani who served as the production’s art director and his colleagues Hiroshi Ono and Katsufumi Hariu.

This exhibition is presented in part by the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation.

Museum admission is $16 for adults; $14 for seniors; $12 for students and Military with ID; and $10 for children ages 6 to 17. Museum members and children under 6 are free.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.