Permanent Collections
“Sister City Collection”
- JW Marriott Grand Rapids
- 235 Louis Street NW (at the NW corner of Louis Street and Campau Avenue)
- Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
- The JW Marriott Grand Rapids is located in the heart of the downtown Grand Rapids’ business and entertainment district, and in the center of Michigan’s West Coast. At the crossroads of both US-131 and I-196, the hotel is easily accessible and just a brief 18-minute drive from Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
The JW Marriot GR Sister City Collection includes 6 origami art works by Linda Stephen and Masaya Honda. These 3 feet by 4 feet intricate scenes inspired by Grand Rapids’ sister cities are located throughout the hotel.
- “Welcome to Six Worlds. One Destination.”
- Bellstand Concierge Desk in the Lobby
Description: Origami art landscape of the JW Marriott GR lobby with view of the Grand River in the background, hotel general manager George Aquino in the center and guests enjoying the hotel and restaurant six.one.six. This paper collage of origami sculptures from more than 600 squares of fabric paper honors the architecture and design of the JW Marriott Grand Rapids and the six sister cities that inspire the hotel’s theme.
- “Piazza IV Novembre, Perugia, Italy”
- Perugia Board Room
Description: Fontana Maggiore and the Palazzo dei Priori in the central Piazza of Perugia, Italy, a sister city of Grand Rapids and host to annual European Chocolate Festival. Origami collage art work of folded papers including Perugina Baci chocolate wrappers, a chocolate of Perugia. Artists Linda Stephen and Masaya Honda.
- “Griffin’s View of the Walled Hill City of Perugia”
- Perugia Board Room
Description: The griffin, a mythical beast with the intelligence of an eagle and the strength of a lion, is the city symbol of Perugia. Collage of invented origami using papers of the world. Original origami art work shows view of the Etruscan walls and more than 10 historic sites cathedrals, halls and bell towers in this 2,500 year old hilled city of Perugia, Italy, a sister city of Grand Rapids. Artists Linda Stephen and Masaya Honda.
- “Makola Market in Accra, Ghana”
- Ga District Board Room
Mixed media origami collage of folded papers and Ghanaian waxprint and batik fabrics. Inspired by the people and colors of the largest market in Accra, Ghana, a sister city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Commissioned work for the sister cities collection of the JW Marriott Hotel. Artists: Linda Stephen and Masaya Honda.
- “Hachiman-bori Canal, Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan”
- Omihachiman Meeting Room
Collage of invented origami using Japanese washi papers. Origami art landscape honoring the historic canal lined with merchant houses in Omihachiman, Japan, Grand Rapids’ first sister city. Omihachiman was the commerce capital of Japan before roads and trains. Merchants shipped goods from the canal to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake and from there north to Tokyo or south to Kyoto. The artists Linda Stephen and Masaya Honda, from the sister states of Michigan and Shiga, met and married in Omihachiman.
- “A Griffin’s View of Grand Rapids, Michigan”
- Founder’s Suite on the top floor
The JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids on the Grand River. View of downtown Grand Rapids from 90 feet in the air. Origami landscape collage using Japanese yuzen washi papers. The Griffin is the symbol of sister city Perugia, Italy and the symbol of the JW Marriott brand. Created by artists Linda Stephen and Masaya Honda, who met in a Grand Rapids sister city. Stephen is a native of Big Rapids, Michigan and Honda is a native of Azuchi in Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan.
“Riverwalk, Big Rapids, Michigan”
- Big Rapids City Hall
- 226 N. Michigan Ave.
- Big Rapids, Michigan
- Art Gift from 2008 Big Rapids Festival of the Arts to the City of Big Rapids.
Origami art collage scene 4 feet by 3 feet celebrating summer on the River Walk in Hemlock Park on the Muskegon River in Big Rapids—tubing on the river, baseball game, Playscape playground, tennis, hiking, fishing and more.
“Grand Rapids in Origami”
- Omihachiman City Hall, Mayor’s Collection
- Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan
- Framed origami art work 20″ x 24″ is featured in Mayor Eishou Fujitani’s office
“Together at Sky Camp at Camp Catron”
- Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska
- Homestead Office Headquarters
- Lincoln, Nebraska
Inspired by the Girl Scouts’ 100th Anniversary celebration, this origami collage honors the Girl Scouts of Nebraska and the leaders and community who support girls in reaching their full potential. Girl Scout staff and private contributors came together to purchase this piece for the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. 23” x 26. ” Installed Fall 2012.
“Skipping After the Rain”
- Edward Jones of Northern Michigan
- Big Rapids, Michigan
Origami collage and 3D paper sculptures from handmade papers. This piece celebrates the joys in simple moments – the scent of a flower garden after a rain, watching children in rain boots stomping in puddles. 14” x 17.” Installed 2012.
“Our Band Series”
- Minden Opera House
- 322 E. 5th St.
- Minden, Nebraska
- 308-832-0588
- Located in the lobby of the Minden Opera House across from the art gallery.
- Gift from Minden Opera House patrons to the Opera House in 2011 and 2013.
“Our Band” is 3 feet by 4 feet, includes hundreds of paper sculptures, and features an origami marching band and parade in Minden’s historic town square. Linda first visited Minden to participate in Cranefest in 2009 and was moved by the friendliness of the town, the architectural beauty of the courthouse square and the sense of community. In 2011, she was invited to be an “artist in residence” at the Minden Opera House. “Our Band” celebrates the pride in a community coming together and the abundant talent that is shared with everyone. The architecture and design of the buildings in the county seat of Minden are a beautiful, solid backdrop to the true beauty of the place: how people greet each other, how large trucks stop for pedestrians, and how volunteers can put together theater productions “The Wizard of Oz” or “Cinderella” with 30+ children and lead singers who could be on Broadway. This original art work is a view from the Minden Coffee House front door looking East and shows Joy’s Floral, the Minden Opera House, Hank’s Hardware, The Mall, and the Old Bank Building.
“Trombones Flanking” is a close up view of a trombone line turning the corner in a parade in Minden’s historic courthouse square. Medium is paper: Japanese fabric papers, handmade papers and 3D origami sculptures from folded paper. The piece celebrates the pride in a community coming together and the talent that is shared. Gift from Minden Opera House Board. 15” x 16.” Installed 2013.
“Our Colorguard” is a close up view of two colorguards dancing with flags at the head of the parade. Medium is paper: Japanese fabric papers, handmade papers and 3D origami sculptures from folded paper.Gift from Minden Opera House Board. 15” x 23.” Installed 2013.
“Celebrating Pyrtle Memories Series”
- Pyrtle Elementary School Office
- Lincoln, Nebraska
Three collaborative artworks with illustrator Andrea Scott for permanent installation to celebrate the special memories of each grade. Paper collage, origami and ink drawing montage to showcase colored pencil drawings from 420 elementary school children, grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. Each artwork K-1, 2-3 and 4-5 showcases at least 15 key curriculum or field trip experiences, from hatching eggs (embryology) in 3rd grade to 5th grade science fair. Gift from Pyrtle PTO. Three pieces each 34” x 42.” Installed August 2013.
“House of Pottery Collection”
- Utsuwa-no-Yakata
- Toki USA Japanese pottery chain
- Nyack, NY
“Spring Irises,” “Summer Sailing” and “Gold Mountains.” 11” x 14.” Installed 2004.
