By Andrea Vasquez
The 2025 edition of Origami in the Garden began on May 5 and runs through October 31 in Cerrillos.
The outdoor sculpture exhibition will highlight Master Peace, a 25-foot monument made of 1,000 cast metal origami cranes, 500 of which have been sent across the world as individual sculptures, while the remaining 500 converge in this breathtaking centerpiece.
The exhibition was created by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box, with the long-awaited return of Master Peace as their main attraction. The creation symbolizes peace and is inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki.
“Rather than a memorial to the tragedies of the past, I want this to be a monument to the future, like wishing wells, that bring joy, excitement and hope for what lies ahead,” said Executive Director Jennifer Box.
The intention behind Origami in the Garden is to transform folded paper into solid, lasting metal sculptures. Innovative casting techniques are an intricate part of the process, where Kevin Box displays his experience with foundries, fabrication shops and his studio staff.
The exhibition, set in a three-acre sculpture garden known as the Little Garden of the Gods off Highway 14, a National Scenic Byway, features large-scale works that allow for a deeper connection with the natural surroundings of the location.
More than 20 sculptures are on display, including the wind-animated Scents of Gratitude, a 32-foot structure adorned with kinetic flower elements.
Guests can also explore INSIDE OUT, a special indoor exhibit at the Gallery & Gift Shop, revealing the unseen interior patterns of origami forms.
“Origami presents a simple metaphor: When we begin with a blank page, what we do with it is up to us, and the possibilities are endless,” said Kevin Box.
The exhibition also showcases collaborations with globally recognized origami artists such as Tim Armijo, Te Jui Fu, Beth Johnson, Michael G. LaFosse, and Robert J. Lang.
Located along the scenic Turquoise Trail, the garden is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 31.
Admission is by suggested donation ($10 per adult), while children 16 and under enter free.
The garden will also be open during federal holidays and on the last two weekends in September for the Turquoise Trail Studio Tour.
While the home exhibition thrives in New Mexico, Origami in the Garden continues to travel across the U.S. this year.
Each installation is curated to fit its environment, offering a unique and immersive experience in every location. For more information or to plan a visit, go to www.origamiinthegarden.com.