Strut on over to the Detroit Institute of Arts to honor the coming of a new beginning: the year of the fire rooster. A two-day Chinese New Year Celebration on Feb. 11 and 12, 2017 offers guests the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of traditional Chinese arts and culture.
This event is brought to the DIA by the support group Friends of Asian Arts and Culture to spotlight the majesty of Chinese New Year. It is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture – and it lasts 15 days filled with loved ones, fireworks, lanterns, gifts, great food and tradition.
From calligraphy and art-making activities to live music and opera, there are numerous opportunities to actively engage with the museum’s offerings. As patrons will explore, there is so much to learn and enjoy.
“The DIA reflects and celebrates our diverse society, creating connections across cultures through art in the comfortable space of our museum,” DIA director Salvador Salort-Pons said in a press release.
On both days, calligraphy, painting and theater displays will adorn the Great Hall. Ann Arbor calligraphers and local painters will be featured, as well as traditional Taiwanese hand/glove puppets.
Plus, kids can check out the hands-on activities available in the student lunchroom from noon to 4 p.m. There, the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors will be on site to help participants try making some of the decorations that Chinese families typically prepare for the New Year.
Interested in watching a Dragon or Yang-style Tai Chi sword dance? Maybe some Kung Fu or aeronautical tricks and spinning? See the Southern Michigan Chinese School, Detroit Tai Chi Club, martial artist Dr. Mike Lee, and the University of Michigan Revolution Chinese Yoyo (diabolo) team on Saturday at noon and 2 p.m. in the Detroit Film Theatre.
The Ann Arbor Chinese Traditional Music Ensemble and Ann Arbor Chinese School will perform traditional Chinese music, Dr. Chi-Kuan Kao will share Chen-style Tai Chi Quan with audiences, and the EZ Learn Chinese School and Chicago’s Opera Group will perform Chinese opera in full theatrical costume on Sunday at noon and 2 p.m. in Rivera Court.
Yet, those still aren’t the only demonstrations in Rivera Court. There’s Dr. Shinming Shyu and Rhona Lee’s silent poetry, painting and calligraphy demonstration, where patrons can discover different Chinese script styles and audience members can take home the pieces artists will create live (both days).
The DIA is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. General admission (which excludes ticketed exhibitions) is free for DIA members and residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County. Otherwise, it’s $12.50 per adult and $6 for ages 6-17.
See the Metro Parent listing for basic details on the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
