About the class

Join us for a unique and interactive community event celebrating creativity, nature, and the wonders of fungi! We are thrilled to kick off a one-of-a-kind project: the creation of a Mushroom Book, led by visiting artist Hiroko Fukumoto from Japan. This free, all-ages event invites you to help bring this fascinating art piece to life.

At the heart of this event, you’ll be part of the process of transforming ordinary paperback books into living, growing works of art. Using rice bran paste and mushroom spores, participants will apply the paste between the pages of the books, creating a fertile environment for mushrooms to grow over the next five weeks. Your hands-on involvement will help inoculate the books and set the stage for this organic spectacle. A few lucky participants will get to take home one of the books

A large Mushroom Book will be displayed in the Sonoma Community Center foyer, where it will be nurtured daily with misting, and you’ll be able to watch as the mushrooms begin to sprout, evolve, and mature over time. A livestream camera will be set up for remote viewers to check in and witness the transformation from anywhere!

Come be part of this imaginative, living art experiment and witness the beauty of nature merging with the creative process. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the unexpected wonders of the world, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to participate in a truly unique experience!

This event is a fun, hands-on experience for all ages and no prior art or mushroom-growing knowledge is required.

We can’t wait to see you there and share in this living art journey. You’re invited to return on March 2 from 2-4pm for a celebration of the fully-grown book!

Are you an SCC Member? All Memberships(Excluding the $50/year tier) receive 10% off any purchase above $40. You should have received your discount code in your membership confirmation email.

If you have any questions regarding the use of your code, you can contact Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org or call the office at (707)938-4626.

Not a member? View more information about our monthly and yearly plans here.

The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.

About the instructor

Hiroko Fukumoto

Instructor / Artist

Hiroko Fukumoto is a Japan-based book artist who specializes in utilizing mushrooms in the creation of her three-dimensional artwork and art installations.

Questions and Answers

What skill level is right for me?

• All Levels
• Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.
• Beginning
• Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.
• Intermediate
• Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.
• Advanced
• Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.

Is there a building map so I can find my room ahead of time?

You can click on the images below to expand them.

What is the process for cancelling my registration?

We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class. 

Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee, or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.

Do you pro-rate late additions to classes?

Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition.

I am interested in teaching, where can I find more information?

We are always looking for new instructors. You can find more information about the process here, or fill out the form directly here.

Where can I find your full class policies and guidelines?

You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.

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