In Chinese astrology, those born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable and talented – often outspoken and Roosters are always brave. Join us on Saturday, February 4, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., when visitors at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum honor The Year of the Rooster 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.
Other activities will include a talk on acupuncture, vegetable carving and musical performances with singing group and on hulusi (Chinese gourde flute), erhu (Chinese fiddle) and guzheng (Chinese zither). There will also be an ice sculpture demonstration with Eric Wagner and martial arts demonstrations including Chi Gong and Tai Chi.
Children will make Chinese toile plates, a rooster hand print mural, lanterns and rooster masks as well as kites (weather permitting). They can play Chinese-originated games such as 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.
Special thanks to our sponsor, AVX/Kyocera Foundation.
All Day Events
Children’s workshops including Chinese toile plates, rooster hand print mural, lanterns and rooster masks
Kites (weather permitting)
Face painting
Chinese literature for kids
Your name in Chinese calligraphy
Paper folding and cutting
Tea and fortune cookies
New Year cake and chopsticks
Mah Jong, dominoes and Chinese checkers
Chinese New Year videos
Chinese culture display
Scheduled Events
11 a.m. Dragon Parade with Mint Hill Kung Fu School
11:10 a.m. Lion Wakes Up opening cereomy with Mint Hill
11:30 a.m. Storytelling with Joan Leotta
12:00 p.m. Tai Chi demonstration
12:30 p.m. Vegetable Carving with Eric Wagner and Nan Black
1 p.m. Musical performances with singing group and on hulusi (Chinese gourd flute), erhu (Chinese fiddle) and guzheng (Chinese zither)
1:15 p.m. “Why the Soldier Smiled” talk with Joan Leotta
1:30 p.m. Ice Sculpture Demonstration with Eric Wagner
2:00 p.m. Chi Gong demonstration with Jimmy Revell
2:15 p.m. Acupuncture talk with Jennifer M. Kiser, L.Ac.
2:30 p.m. Martial Arts Demonstrations with Mint Hill
3 p.m. Lion Goes to Sleep with Mint Hill
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Images from 2015 Chinese New Year celebration: