Lunar New Year celebration at the Oakland Museum

It is nice that we can celebrate New Year twice a year! I went to the Oakland Museum of California to participate in LNY celebration. Many people call this Chinese New Year but other countries are celebrating it, too. Koreans call the Lunar New Year's day Seollal. Making some special foods and give a respect to ancestors and wish for happiness, prosperity and good health of their family and friends. In Korea, many people visit their parents or grandparent to celebrate the holiday together. This causes big traffic jam in major highways in Korea every year. 

This year at the Oakland Museum, I met museum visitors by leading "community bojagi" activity. I cut Obangseak (오방색), the five cardinal colors silk fabrics. Yellow, Blue, White, Red, Black of 5 colors represent 5 cardinal directions. 

Yellow-Center

Blue-East

White-West

Red-South

Black-North

At the end of the day I got many pieces from many people and ready to make it into a big bojagi. Everybody put their effort, time and good wishes into this project and I am excited to share this powerful and meaningful bojagi soon!

Asian Art Museum 50th Anniversary Golden Gala

Asian Art Museum turns 50 this year! You can see how this museum was started from this link.

http://timeline.asianart.org/?week=20160208#_the-museum-comes-of-age

The first time I visited the Asian Art Museum, it was in Golden Gate Park. Now it is located in the heart of the city, across from the San Francisco city hall. During this golden anniversary year the Asian Art Museum has planned many celebration events. Golden Gala is one of the events and I was honored to be invited to participate in. I was asked to donate one of my bojagi work to an auction to benefit the museum's Education Department. I am happy that I can be a part of this good cause.

During the Golden Gala dinner, live performances like Bu Chae Choom (Korean Fan Dance), Chinese Bian Lian (Face-Changing mask dance), a Singer with Japanese Koto  and  Bhangra dance made the night more festive and fun.

Now I am at home and hope my bojagi's new owner's happiness.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Once again, we can celebrate New Year! Happy Lunar New year!
새해 복 많이 받으세요!