BANGOR – Maine Discovery Museum is presenting “The Kites of Kyushu” through July 31. The exhibit opened May 17. The colorful and dramatic handmade kites from Japan’s southern island of Kyushu originated at the Tokyo Kite Museum and comes to Maine from the Drachen Foundation in Seattle.

Many kite enthusiasts first recognized the potential and excitement of kites through the special qualities of Japanese kites. The kites of Kyushu display the diversity of traditional Japanese themes – warrior heroes, divine beings and mythical beasts. The kites are made with traditional materials, paper and bamboo, and reflect a refinement typical of Japanese art and crafts and the drama and exuberance of Kabuki theater.

“The Kites of Kyushu” exhibit is part of the museum’s celebration of kites and kite flying, “About Kites,” a poster exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, on display June 14-Sept. 4.

KiteFest 2005 will take place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, on the Bangor waterfront. It will feature demonstrations by professional kite fliers from across New England, kite-flying lessons, kite making and kite-flying activities. The event is free and open to all ages. Kites and kite-making kits will be available for purchase on site.

For information about KiteFest 2005 and related exhibits and programs taking place this summer, e-mail Andrea Stark, executive director, at astark@mainediscoverymuse

um.org or Terry Delargy, director of marketing, tdelargy@mainediscoverymuse

um.org. Information about the museum’s programs and events may be found at www.maine

discoverymuseum.org.