The Taubman Museum of Art, Local Colors and Roanoke Valley Sister Cities invite the community to celebrate Lunar New Year Saturday, Feb. 4, 12-3 p.m. at the Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave. SE. The event is free and open to the public.
“Lunar New Year is a wonderful opportunity for our community to learn about the cultural traditions of our Asian friends and neighbors living right here in southwest Virginia,” said Cindy Petersen, Taubman Museum of Art deputy director of education and visitor services. “We invite everyone to come out and enjoy this special day with spectacular dances, performances and art making.”
Event highlights include: David White and the Shaolin Dragon Martial Arts Academy performing dragon and lion dances; Jane Wang and her accomplished students showcasing traditional Chinese string compositions; 1550 Dance Group performing two unique dances; Dancing Crane leading an interactive demonstration of Qigong/Neigong; Calligraphy demonstrations from sister city Liijang; Art projects for children and families representing cultural celebrations from a variety of Asian cultures.
Guests are also invited to visit Art Venture, the Museum’s interactive children’s gallery, to create their own handmade crafts inspired by the Lunar New Year. Art Venture is free Feb. 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. as part of the celebration.
The event concludes with Pearl Fu, former executive director and founder of Local Colors, distributing traditional Chinese Red Envelopes with well wishes to children in attendance. She also will lead a group sing-along of the traditional New Year’s song, “Gong xi Gong xi.”
For additional information, call 540.342.5760.
