San José Museum of Art

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Community Day: Lunar New Year

11 AM–5 PM
Free admission all day!

Welcome the Year of the Rooster with interactive art-making activities and live performances. This contemporary celebration honors the various Lunar New Year traditions observed by San Jose’s diverse communities. There is something for all ages, so bring the whole family.

Rising Phoenix Lion Dance Association will help SJMA welcome the new year with another traditional lion dance performance. Come join this interactive celebration and take a photo with your favorite lion! Local musical ensemble, Music Bridge, will also perform a variety of traditional songs from Vietnam, China, and Japan. Design a unique noise-maker that mimics the sound of a rooster. Create an updated paper lantern with a Lunar New Year-themed cutout design, explore time-honored techniques while learning to create Chinese knots, and contribute wishes for the new year to SJMA’s Community Wish Tree. Many cultures have traditions of creating wish trees to commemorate various celebrations and seasonal changes. This collaborative installation will document our hopes and aspirations for 2017! We will also have roaming docents throughout the galleries, and the café will feature kid-friendly additions to their menu.

To skip the line, register and print your tickets in advance.

Advanced registration will end 24 hours prior to event date, but tickets will be available at the door!

Order Free Tickets

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

11 AM – 4:30 PM
Hands-on artmaking for all ages

Rooster Noise-Maker Activity
Design a unique noise-maker that mimics the sound of a rooster. Experiment with and decorate your creation to help ring in the year of the rooster!

Paper Lantern Activity
Create an updated paper lantern with a Lunar New Year-themed cutout design.

Chinese Knot Activity
Explore time-honored techniques and learn how to create lucky knots.

Community Wish Tree Activity
Add wishes for the new year to our Community Wish Tree. Many cultures have traditions of creating wish trees to commemorate various celebrations and seasonal changes. This collaborative installation will document our hopes and aspirations for 2017!

12 – 4 PM: Public Drop-In Tours

12:30 – 1 PM: Music by Music Bridge
Enjoy traditional songs from Vietnam, China, and Japan performed by this local student ensemble.

3:30 – 4:30 PM: Rising Phoenix Lion Dance Association
Weather permitting, a performance will take place in the City View Plaza. Located across Market Street from the Museum. In the event of rain, a demonstration will take place in the Museum’s First Floor, Lobby. Recommended parking: City View Plaza Garage

Sponsored by Bank of America
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