Media Alert: March 2020 Events at Asia Society Texas Center
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HOUSTON, February 24, 2020 — Asia Society Texas Center (ASTC) is the place to be for fun, free Spring Break activities (March 16–20)! Each day, families can learn about different Asian springtime traditions, play games, build a craft (like Afghan or Japanese kites or Indian rangoli sand art), and even learn to make Japanese onigiri and Vietnamese spring rolls.
And for adult food lovers, internationally beloved Persian chef Najmieh Batmanglij will talk about her storied journey to becoming an authoritative representative of traditional and contemporary Persian cuisine. Batmanglij has curated small plates of Iranian dishes to be served following the program, and guests can also purchase her eighth cookbook, Cooking in Iran: Regional Recipes and Kitchen Secrets, which is the culmination of tens of thousands of miles of travel through Iran — her first journey back since she fled to France after the Iranian Revolution — and for which she gathered over 250 regional recipes, mostly from women.
Cooking in Iran: Regional Recipes and Kitchen Secrets with Chef Najmieh Batmanglij
Celebrate Nowruz (the Persian New Year) with chef and cookbook writer Najmieh Batmanglij, who has spent the past 40 years cooking, traveling, and adapting authentic Persian recipes to tastes and techniques in the West. Small plates of regional Iranian dishes will be served following the program.
When: Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m. Program, 7:30 p.m. Small Plates
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admisison: $25 Members, $35 Nonmembers
Spring Break: Spring into Asia
This Spring Break, explore Asian springtime foods, games, and more with different activities each day, plus film screenings! Enjoy picnic food by learning how to make onigiri and spring rolls. Create vivid rangoli designs with colored sand, play the dragon tail game with friends, and enjoy the spring breeze as you fly a kite!
When: Monday, March 16 – Friday, March 20, 12–2 p.m. daily
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free and open to the public
A Conversation with Gloria Chao
Meet critically acclaimed author Gloria Chao, whose young adult novels include American Panda, Our Wayward Fate, and the upcoming Rent a Boyfriend. An audience Q&A and book-signing will follow the program, with books available to purchase on-site.
When: Saturday, March 21, 3–6 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Admission: Free and open to the public; RSVP requested
Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture (Part II)
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: Mondays, March 23 – May 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Registration: $270 Members, $320 Nonmembers
Introduction to Mindfulness
This six-week series provides an introduction to mindfulness meditation and mindful awareness practices. The series includes science and research on the mental and physical health benefits; guided instruction for sitting, standing, and walking meditation; and practices to be with painful emotions, challenging thoughts, and physical pain.
When: Tuesdays, March 24 – May 4, 6:30–8 p.m.
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Registration: $310 Members, $360 Nonmembers
Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture (Part II)
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: Mondays, March 30 – May 18, 6:30–8:30 p..
Where: Asia Society Texas Center
Registration: $300 Members, $350 Nonmembers
Ongoing Exhibitions
Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form: Works by Miya Ando
CLOSES THIS MONTH: 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.