Media Alert: February 2020 Events at Asia Society Texas Center
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HOUSTON, January 17, 2020 — Asia Society Texas Center (ASTC) "takes the show on the road" with a second weekend of Lunar New Year arts and crafts, performances, and lion dancing at The Galleria, February 1 and 2, and all activities are FREE!
America's first female Muslim comedian, Maysoon Zayid, whose TED Talk I've Got 99 Problems... Palsy is Just One has been watched over 16 million times, takes the stage at ASTC on February 8. Internationally acclaimed journalist Ann Curry speaks on her career and women in the workplace in the Bank of America Women's Leadership Series on February 27. Closing out the month on February 29, Asia Society opens Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes, a stunning exhibition of nearly 100 ancient artifacts dating from 1600 BCE to 220 CE.
Asia Society Lunar New Year at The Galleria
The Lunar New Year celebrations continue! Join us at The Galleria for free arts and crafts, performances, and games for the whole family, on Level One near Nordstrom.
When: Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 1, 12–5 p.m.
Where: The Galleria, 5085 Westheimer Road, 77056
Admission: Free and open to the public
Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture (Two Parts)
These beginner courses provide adult language learners with an introduction to the Mandarin dialect and Chinese culture. Through hands-on activities, cooking demonstrations, games, and technology, explore Chinese culture and language in a fun, supportive, and engaging way.
When: Part I: Mondays, February 3 – March 23, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Part II: Mondays, March 30 – May 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Registration: $300 Asia Society Members, $350 Nonmembers
Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture (Two Parts)
In these introductory courses, learn the basics of Japanese language and culture. Study Hiragana; learn greetings, introductions, grammar, and vocabulary; and build a foundation for future study!
When: Part I: Mondays, February 3 – March 16, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Part II: Mondays, March 23 – May 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Registration: $270 Asia Society Members, $320 Nonmembers
An Evening with Maysoon Zayid
Groundbreaking actress, comedian, and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid uses humor to break through stereotypes as America's first Muslim woman comedian. Get a glimpse into her experiences through her comedy addressing family, global culture, and her life with cerebral palsy, followed by a discussion with Houston Public Media's Ernie Manouse.
When: Saturday, February 8, 6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Performance
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: $25–$50
On the Border: How the U.S. is Closing Its Doors to Refugees and Migrants
Implemented in 2019, "Migrant Protection Protocols" have stranded thousands of immigrants in camps in Mexico and Central America, and Texas recently became the first and only state to reject new refugees under a new executive order that gave states veto power. A nonpartisan discussion with legal advocates who have recently visited the U.S.–Mexico border.
When: Thursday, February 13, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free for Asia Society Members, $20 Nonmembers
From East to West with the Formosa Quartet
The Formosa Quartet, in residence at the University of Houston, makes its Asia Society Texas Center debut with musical celebration and exploration featuring special commissions by Taiwanese composer Wei-Chieh Lin alongside works by Beethoven.
When: Thursday, February 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: $20 Asia Society Members, $30 Nonmembers
Preview Reception for Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes
Take in the new exhibition, learn from our curator, Nancy C. Allen Curator & Director of Exhibitions Bridget Bray, and enjoy light bites.
When: Wednesday, February 26, 6 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free and open to the public
Bank of America Women's Leadership Series: Women in Journalism: Ann Curry
Award-winning journalist and former NBC News anchor Ann Curry discusses women in the workplace, reporting while female, and how women's roles in journalism have transformed over the past 50 years.
When: Thursday, February 27, 6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Program
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: $35 Asia Society Members, $50 Nonmembers
Houston Global Teaching Dialogue for K-12 Educators
Educators are invited for a day of conversation and learning experiences to equip and inspire them to grow as global educators. Join us for panels, break-out sessions, and discussions on how to implement global teaching in schools and classrooms.
When: Tuesday, February 28, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free; registration required
Ongoing Exhibitions
Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form: Works by Miya Ando
Drawing on the important Buddhist text known as the Heart Sutra, artist Miya Ando makes her Asia Society debut responding to the Center’s unique building with references to elemental materials such as metal, light, water, and wood. This site-specific response to Yoshio Taniguchi’s architecture reframes the visitor's perception of the space, and invites contemplation of the nature of reality.
Learn more »
When: On view through March 29, 2020
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free and open to the public
Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes
Exploring the ritual significance of ancient Chinese bronzes, this exhibition sheds new light on innovations of form and ornamentation, and the maturity of techniques of casting these stunning objects dating from the Shang to the Han Dynasties (1600 BCE – 220 CE). Bronze designs influenced other art forms in China, and later examples in jade, blue and white ceramics, and cloisonné will be featured.
Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Generous support for the exhibition and related catalogue provided by the Blakemore Foundation, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, and Christie's.
When: Opens February 29, 2020
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free for Asia Society Members, $5 Students and Seniors with ID, $8 Nonmembers
About Asia Society Texas Center
With 14 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.