On the third Saturday of every month, Kanae Collins expertly demystifies the complex symbols of kanji, making the learning process accessible and engaging for beginners while offering deeper insights for those with some prior knowledge. The class, which begins at 10:00AM and ends at noon, is held at the Roxie Remley Center for the Fine Arts on 31 E Vine Street in downtown Statesboro.
Collins' own journey to Statesboro is a testament to resilience and a deep commitment to family. Arriving in September of 1998 with her infant daughter in tow, the then 29-year-old left the only home she had ever known in an effort to help her sick husband, who was a Navy veteran. He recovered soon after their arrival and they spent several years together raising their daughter.
Her involvement with the Averitt Center began serendipitously in 2024 during a pottery class. A casual conversation with Mrs. Georgina Osuna-Diaz, Visual Arts Assistant/Art Adventures Lead Teacher, sparked the idea of sharing her knowledge of kanji calligraphy. Osuna-Diaz enthusiastically supported the initiative. By December 2024, Collins had presented her skills, and the monthly kanji workshop was launched in January 2025.
Beyond kanji, Collins is a versatile artist with a diverse range of talents. Her repertoire includes delicate origami jewelry in various shapes like fans, balloons, hearts, and birds. She also practices Washi Chigiri-e, a unique art form where washi paper is torn by hand to create aesthetic designs, often featuring her beloved floral motifs. Pressed flower art is another passion, where she transforms the blooms from her garden into resin jewelry and decorative pieces on various surfaces. Her artistic expression extends to pottery as well, crafting ceramic plates, bowls, cups, and jewelry adorned with kanji. Despite not always considering herself an artist, Collins finds immense joy in sharing her Japanese culture with the local community. She believes that understanding different cultures fosters peace and mutual respect in the world.
"I just enjoy introducing my Japanese culture to other American people who grew up here, and I wanted to share the real Japanese style," she explains.
Reflecting on her journey, Collins shares a deeply personal experience of her baptism. Growing up in Japan with traditional values, religion wasn't a significant part of her early life. Her father's emphasis on kindness and appreciation served as her guiding principle. However, after the passing of her father during the COVID-19 pandemic, Collins sought solace and understanding at a local church. Initially hesitant, she eventually found comfort and support within a women's Bible study group. This led to a profound personal transformation and her decision to be baptized, a significant step for someone with her cultural background. She now embraces her dual cultural identity and looks forward to continuing to serve her community through her art and teaching.
"After the baptism, I felt my heart was more peaceful than before," she muses. "God has plans for all so I just walk with Him day by day with the hope and faith that I was given."
Now a U.S. citizen, Collins has found a home in Statesboro and cherishes the opportunity to share her heritage. Though her weekend food trailer business, Kana's Japanese Kitchen, is currently paused, her passion for connecting with others through her culture remains strong. Collins also teaches the Japanese language and origami and enjoys taking yoga, line dancing, and Zumba classes.
"My life journey is still going, and I will keep looking for ways I can serve this community as who I am and where I can be myself," she says.
If you're curious about the beauty and depth of the Japanese writing system and are looking for a unique cultural experience, consider joining Collins' kanji class at the Averitt Center. It's an opportunity to learn, create, and connect with a vibrant aspect of Japanese culture right here in Statesboro.
For more information about the Averitt Center, please visit their website.
