Slice of Life: Origami whiz wins award

Photos courtesy of Kimiko Shuster.

Isaac Shuster, a talented fifth grader at Lanai High & Elementary School, has recently achieved an incredible feat in the world of origami. With his nimble fingers and creative spirit, Shuster managed to win a spot in a nationwide touring exhibit for an origami hedgehog he created.

The Origami by Children exhibition is renowned for recognizing and celebrating the talents of young origami artists from around the world. Along with scoring a spot in the touring exhibit, Shuster received a Certificate of Merit and was granted a one-year membership in OrigamiUSA, an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the art of origami.

Shuster has been doing origami since he was three years old and says the hedgehog was the hardest piece he has ever made. The origami hedgehog was designed by Yudai Imai and took Shuster two hours to make. His advice for other kids who want to pursue origami is simple. He says, “Just follow the directions and fold it nicely. That’s it.”

Visit origamiusa.org/obc/2023 to view this year’s exhibition.