Media Alert: February Events at Asia Society Texas Center
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HOUSTON, February 1, 2019 — Asia Society Texas Center (ASTC) invites Houstonians to celebrate Lunar New Year and the Year of the Pig with festivities over two weekends in early February.
The celebration kicks off on Friday, February 8, with Enchanting Puppetry Traditions of Henan, a performance presented in partnership with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Houston. Folk legends and historical tales come alive via traditional zhangtou (rod-based) puppetry by the Puppet Troupe of the Henan Opera and Dance Theater.
The festivities continue on Saturday, February 9, with a free Family Day: Lunar New Year at ASTC. Families will enjoy an array of arts and crafts, hands-on kids’ activities, and food inspired by Lunar New Year traditions across Asia. Lion dancers of Shaolin Kung Fu Academy in Houston and two ticketed performances by Huaxing Arts Group round out a joyous celebration of the Year of the Pig.
Shoppers can look forward to Asia Society’s Lunar New Year at The Galleria on Sunday, February 10, and Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17. Korean Arts Group, Huaxing Arts Group, and Shaolin Academy Lion Dancers will present traditional and contemporary Asian performances on Level One near Nordstrom. ASTC will also offer a selection of arts and crafts activities and games, all free of charge, to Galleria visitors.
Bank of America Women's Leadership Series: Energy Executives on the Importance of STEM Education
How does STEM education empower the next generation of women leaders, especially in Houston, the Energy Capital of the World? In this second installment of the 2019 Bank of America Women’s Leadership Series, local energy and economy leaders Jennifer Chan, Paula Harris, Dr. Janet Kong, and Liz Schwarze address the leadership roles, challenges, and opportunities in pursuing STEM career paths.
When: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Program
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: $25 ASTC Members, $35 Nonmembers
Enchanting Puppetry Traditions of Henan
Experience exciting fables and legends told through the traditional Chinese art of zhangtou (rod-based puppetry). This evening performance kicks off ASTC’s Lunar New Year festivities.
When: Friday, February 8, 2019, 7 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: $5 ASTC Members, $10 Nonmembers
Family Day: Lunar New Year (FREE)
Celebrate the Year of the Pig with free arts and crafts activities and games, plus food, face-painting, and ticketed performances, all inspired by Lunar New Year traditions across Asia! Dance to the beat of traditional lion dancers as they perform throughout the building. A limited quantity of red envelopes will also be given to children.
When: Saturday, February 9, 2019, 12–4 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free and open to the public, with ticketed face-painting and performances and on-site food vendors
Lunar New Year at The Galleria (FREE)
ASTC continues the festivities with a special Lunar New Year celebration at The Galleria, with free arts and crafts activities, games, and exciting performances by Shaolin Academy Lion Dancers, Korean Arts Group, and Huaxing Arts Group. Join us for two weekends of fun!
When: Sunday, February 10; Saturday, February 16; Sunday, February 17, 12–5 p.m.
Where: The Galleria, Level One near Nordstrom
Admission: Free and open to the public
Weaponization of Culture: The Role of Culture in Politics
Back by popular demand! Following a sold-out event at ASTC in October 2017, MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi returns for a timely and engaging conversation on how culture and diversity can be used to unify a country or nation, as well as polarize and segment populations.
When: Sunday, February 21, 5:45 p.m. Reception, 6:30 p.m. Program
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Program only: $15 ASTC Members, $25 Nonmembers | Reception and Program: $25 Members, $35 Nonmembers
Artist Talk: Beijing Dance Theater's Wang Yuanyuan
Immerse yourself in the world of classical Chinese dance and ballet through a lecture by Beijing Dance Theater choreographer Wang Yuanyuan at ASTC, following the Society for the Performing Arts’ presentation of Hamlet at Jones Hall on Friday, February 22. This program is part of SPA’s inaugural Choreographer Discussion Series, which highlights the creative process and careers of some of the greatest choreographers and artistic minds of contemporary dance.
When: Sunday, February 24, 2 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free and open to the public
Trilateral Japan, U.S., and Israel Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for the Aging and Healthcare: A Dialogue with Industry and Academic Experts
Incredible changes underway in the medtech industry will shape the future of healthcare and aging populations. Expert speakers will address areas of trilateral cooperation and major innovations in medtech and artificial intelligence. Attendees will also get to meet PARO, an interactive stuffed-animal robot resembling a seal, which was developed for patients and seniors by National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
When: Monday, February 25, 6 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: $10 for ASTC Members, $20 for Nonmembers
Ongoing Exhibitions
Ayomi Yoshida
Building on her family background in woodblock printing, artist Ayomi Yoshida has focused recently on large-scale installations that incorporate prints to achieve dramatic transformations of space. These total environments invite the public to engage with her investigations of time, life cycles in nature, sensory memory and nostalgia. Visitors’ experience of the exhibition is impacted by the changing of the seasons and the corresponding angle of the sun as it filters through the two-story installation.
Learn more »
When: Note new closing date — Sunday, February 10, 2019
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free and open to the public
New Cartographies
This exhibition delves into the unique ways that contemporary artists such as Tiffany Chung, Allan deSouza, Li Songsong, and Sohei Nishino are incorporating mapmaking into their practices as they look at globally relevant topics such as urbanization, economic migration, environmental change, refugee movements, and the repercussions of colonial legacies.
Learn more »
When: Open through Sunday, March 17, 2019
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free for ASTC Members, $5 Students and Seniors, $8 Nonmembers
Looking ahead
Spring Break: Journey through Japan (FREE)
Celebrate Spring Break with ASTC by learning about Japan and its beautiful spring season! Each day during the week, welcome spring by participating in a different come-and-go, kid-friendly activity. Learn about sakura (Japanese cherry blossoms), create spring-inspired origami, and enjoy daily screenings of fun Japanese movies.
When: Monday, March 11 – Friday, March 15, 12–3 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free and open to the public; limited spots for Wednesday's food-related activities
About Asia Society Texas Center
With 13 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.