Over the past 16 years, the World Kite Museum's (WKM) collection of kites from around the world has increased to 1500 kites. In 1989 the David Checkley Asian Kite Collection of 700 Japanese, Chinese and Malaysian kites were donated to the Museum. The 400 Japanese kites are considered the most complete collection of Japanese kites outside of Japan. The Kite Museum changes its exhibits regularly to accommodate many educational opportunities.

Besides thge WKM's outstanding kite collections, the Museum has extensive archival materials. The American Kite Association has combined their archives with the WKM's. An active oral history program exists on cassettes and videos. All this makes the World Kite Museum the major information source on kites around the world. Textbook companies and freelance writers are the most frequent users. The Museum also has an International Advisory Board. The five members are from England, France, Thailand, Japan and Colombia. These people promote the Museum, obtain and locate items for the collections, and advise the Director on specific projects and exhibits.

Education programs include elementary and high schools in both the local and surrounding areas. Adult touring groups, local organizations, and Elder hostels are another educational niche. Six weekend annual hands-on workshops sponsored by the Museum bring outsiders to the area.

John Freeman's Workshop
February 17, 18 & 19, 2007
(President’s Day Weekend)
“Not a Peter Lynn”

This big impressive kite is a variation on the famous Peter Lynn Tri-D Box designed by Greg Greger. It may seem unlikely, but most in the kiting community really do know it by that name! I like it much better than the original. It is a very stable flier. It won't compete with the lightest of light wind kites, but close! 3 or 4mph wind will make it happy. The kite is eight feet long, but rolls up into a bundle only four feet long. I plan to give students a choice of several different styles of graphics for the kite--this being the first. The cost of the class is $115-$140 depending on choice of design. Class is limited to 20 and we have 18.

Asian New Year / Korean Culture Fair
February 23, 24 & 25, 2007

Enjoy the arts and crafts, games and stories of this Asian country. Learn how they used kites designed as a code to signal ships and armies during war. Make a Korean bird kite; try your hand at other Korean paper arts. Find out about Koreans who settled in the Pacific Northwest.

Mick Dahms
Train Workshop
March 10 & 11, 2007

This is an original design by Mr. Takahashi and is simple to make, having no vertical spars or bridle lines. The kite is designed to fly well in light to medium winds. The hole in the center of the kite creates an interesting design challenge. Mr. Takahashi's kites generally feature geometric patterns or colored bands. Bring your own fabric, including your "scrap bag". All other materials are furnished. Bring your sewing supplies, machine and cording foot, if you have one. Cost of the class is $30.

Bob & Charmayne Umbowers
Arno Haft Bird Kite Workshop
March 31 & April 1, 2007

Mr. Haft built this kite sometime in the 1950's we think. It has a wingspan of 2.4 meters and is 1.5 meters tall. It is a very nice size for most people to handle. It has a surprisingly large wing range. Check our web site via the link below for more info later.