In Chinese astrology, the Ram symbolizes creativity, generosity, kind-heartedness and passion. These traits will come in handy on February 7, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., when visitors at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, SC, ring in The Year of the Ram with a Free Family Day celebration of Chinese New Year.
As always, this year’s celebration will kick off with a traditional Dragon Parade and Lion Dance, followed by storytelling, Chinese dance and a wide range of games, lectures, demonstrations and family art workshops.
The real star of this Year of the Ram celebration, however, could well be a lotus-the delightful Charlotte, NC-based Little Lotus Dance Troupe, returning for its seventh year at this event. Consisting of Chinese heritage, ranging in age from five to 13, the group is known for its renditions of traditional and contemporary dance performed in authentic costumes to Chinese music or songs.
Other activities will include talks on Penjing (miniature trees), Chinese medicine and Tong Ren Energy. There will also be a martial arts demonstration including Chi Gong (“energy practice”) and Tai Chi.
Participants at the event can learn to eat with chopsticks and watch vegetable carvers at work. Children will make New Year drums, ram, dragon and lion masks, lanterns and kites (weather permitting) as well as help create a collaborative hand print dragon mural. They can play Chinese-originated games such as mah jong, dominoes or Chinese checkers; watch traditional Chinese paper cutting or have their names written in Chinese calligraphy.
Youngsters can enjoy storytelling and face painting, explore Chinese children’s literature or watch a video of Sesame Street’s Big Bird in China. There will be two other films, geared towards adults, for viewing throughout the day. The first, titled Guonian, depicts New Year’s traditions as they are observed in China. The second, titled The Films of Deben Bhattacharya: Chinese Opera, features the music and dance, religion and social customs related to the everyday life of people in several countries of Asia and Eastern Europe.
While attending the event, visitors are encouraged to browse the Museum’s current exhibits.
Admission to all events is free. For further information, call 843-238-2510.
All Day Events
KidsArt Workshops to create masks, New Year drums and lanterns
A collaborative children’s handprint dragon mural
Kites (weather permitting)
Chinese Literature for Children
Face Painting with Big Bird in China Video
Mah Jong
Dominoes and Chinese Checkers
Chinese Opera Video
Guonian Video
Tea, New Year Rice Cake and Fortune Cookies
Chinese Market
Chopstick Lessons and noodle tasting
Paper Folding and Chinese Calligraphy
Chinese Tea Time with Myra Rahenkamp
Scheduled Events
11 a.m. Dragon Parade with Mint Hill Kung Fu School
11:10 a.m. New Year Lion “wakes up” with Mint Hill
11:15 a.m. Penjing (miniature trees) talk with Prof. Elizabeth Keller
11:45 a.m. Storytelling with Joan Leotta
12:15 p.m. Lecture with Coastal Carolina University’s Chinese Club
12:15 p.m. Tai Chi and Chi Gong Demonstration with Fred Christie
12:30 p.m. Vegetable Carving with Eric Wagner and Nan Black
1 p.m. Tong Ren Energy Therapy Talk and Demonstration with Sophie Dangtran
1:30 p.m. Ice Sculpture Demonstration with Eric Wagner
2:15 p.m. Chinese Medicine Talk with Dr. Jim Li Dong
2:30 p.m. Martial Arts Demonstrations
to be announced Traditional Chinese Dancing with Little Lotus Dance Troupe
3 p.m. Lion Goes to Sleep with Mint Hill
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is a wholly nonprofit institution located across from Springmaid Pier at 3100 South Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Components of Museum programs are funded in part by support from the City of Myrtle Beach, the Horry County Council and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.