Introduction to WOD/Crown

To kick off World Origami Days we are celebrating the birthday of a woman who played a huge role in bringing origami to the West. About this woman, Martin Gardner wrote: “Thousands of people, of all ages and walks of life, have discovered the pleasures of this fascinating, gentle art. Why has it so strongly caught the fancy of the American people? The causes are no doubt varied and complex, but if I were asked to name the single, most effective cause, I would answer unhesitatingly: Lillian Oppenheimer.”
October 24 is the birthday of Lillian Oppenheimer (1898-1992), who founded the first origami group in America. She was also one of the founders of the British Origami Society and OrigamiUSA. A dynamic woman, she was delighted in the magic to be found in a piece of paper and wanted to share it with the world. She famously held folding events in her apartment in NYC, and there are still those among us who attended those events. Happy Birthday, Lillian!
In honor of Lillian’s birthday, Wendy Zeichner (current President of OrigamiUSA) will teach the King David’s crown designed by Laura Kruskal and named after Lillian’s grandson. Laura Kruskal, Lillian’s daughter-in-law, was also an active participant in establishing the origami community in the United States beginning in the late 1950s. Laura was well known for her wonderful origami crowns taught every year at our Annual Convention. Wendy will also teach Laura’s favorite crown, the Canoe Base Module Crown.