Family Day: Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
VIEW EVENT DETAILSFirst observed by the United States Congress in the late 1970s and finally signed into law in 1992, May is recognized as a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. The month was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese in 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, worked on by numerous Chinese immigrants, in 1869.
Join us at Asia Society Texas Center for our eleventh Family Day, which will mark Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Activities, interactive experiences, and performances will present a snapshot of Asian culture and the Asian American diaspora. Stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks!
Schedule
Filipino Holiday Parols
Polynesian Paper Lei Decorations
Thai Clay Elephant Magnets
11:00 am – 5:00 pm | The Edward Rudge Allen III Education Center
Create something for your mom during Mother’s Day weekend in our activity zone! Our projects include colorful paper stars from the Philippines, leis from the Polynesian islands of Hawaii, and a magnet inspired by artwork of elephants in Thailand. Recommended for ages 6 and older.
Turkish Ebru Demonstration by Raindrop Women Association
11:30 am – 4:00 pm | Main Entrance
Learn about the art of paper marbling, known as ebru in Turkish culture, and discover the beauty of its vivid designs. Throughout the day, a limited number of visitors will be able to create their own paper marbling sample. Recommended for ages 9 and older. Please note that ebru materials may stain clothing, therefore caution is advised when handling items.
Koagie Hots Food Truck
11:30 am – 4:30 pm | Gita and Ali A. Saberioon East Entry
Sample Asian American fusion food, such as Korean BBQ ribeye, cheesesteaks, and kimchi fries.
Elena Moon Park and Friends perform East Asian Folk and Children’s Songs
1:00 – 1:45 pm | The Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater
New York-based musicians Elena Moon Park and Friends present a selection of songs which are both amusing for the entire family and reflect cultural holidays and instruments popular in East Asia. For a sample of the group’s music, please visit rabbitdays.com. Recommended for all ages.
Southeast Asian Weaving Demonstration by The Community Cloth
1:00 – 2:15 pm | The Edward Rudge Allen III Education Center
Witness the creation of warp and weft patterns from Southeast Asia. Master weaver Moo Htoo, a Karen refugee originally from Myanmar, will showcase her talents and talk about her practice through an interpreter. Recommended for ages 6 and older.
Asian American Hip-Hop Workshop by Rocko Stedy
2:00 – 2:30 pm | Edward Rudge Allen III Education Center
Local hip-hop artist and frequent cultural festival performer, Rocko Stedy, tells his story of inspiration, then guides you on your journey to create a personal jingle. Emphasis will be on using your own experiences to develop a song which accepts the past, appreciates the present, and welcomes the future. Recommended for ages 14 and older.
Asian American Writing Workshop
2:30 – 3:00 pm | Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery
Author a short story or poem about connections between Asia and the United States. This workshop will be led by Janine Joseph, Assistant Professor of English at Weber State University. Recommended for ages 10 and older.
Elena Moon Park and Eastern Echo perform East Asian Folk and Children’s Songs
3:00 – 3:30 pm | The Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater
Join Elena Moon Park again, this time in collaboration with local musicians Eastern Echo, for a workshop comparing traditional and modern East Asian instruments. Recommended for ages 8 and older.
Family Film Festival Sneak Peek
4:00 – 4:15 pm | The Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater
Catch a preview of Asia Society Texas Center's first Family Film Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 12. An adorable little girl and a solitary young man strike up an unlikely friendship in the Indonesian short The Raining Tree (Pohon Penghujan). Recommended for all ages.
Education programs at Asia Society Texas Center are made possible by support from Marathon Oil. Additional support provided by Asia Society contributors and members.