This is a joint project by the MSU AgeAlive in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Japan Council in the Asian Studies Center. The Japan Council holds several events every March as part of Japan Month, and AgeAlive, featuring Zahrah Resh, their Artist-in-Residence, organizes large paper flower and Butterfly Gardens to promote wellbeing, community engagement in meaningful activity, and an appreciation for unity through diversity and inclusion.

March 2023 marks the third anniversary of the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in the MSU community. We want to fill the atrium of the MSU International Center with thousands of origami butterflies made by MSU students, staff, faculty, and community members as a way to reflect on the pandemic. We hope this project will have a cathartic effect for those who make the butterflies and those who see the exhibition. The project will lighten our sadness and frustration caused by the pandemic, reaffirm our appreciation of being alive, and strengthen our hope and commitment to the future. Please join us to make the Garden.