Albert Wisner Public Library will celebrate Asian and Pacific Island culture during May

WARWICK — The Albert Wisner Public Library has been awarded a grant from Arts-Mid Hudson to present a month-long Celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage.

Throughout May the library will host events and programs focused on the cultures and traditions of Japan, China, Korea, India and the Hawaiian Islands.

Registration is required for all programs. Seating is unlimited for outdoor performances.

Visit www.albertwisnerlibrary.org for details and registration or call the library’s Help Desk at 986-1047 ext. 3.

May 4, 2 p.m. “Taikoza”
Outdoor concert for all age groups. This unique International performance with the taiko 150 pound drums, bamboo flutes and dancers will amaze. The program blends colorful dances and soulful melodies of bamboo flutes with the thunderous sounds of the taiko.

In case of inclement weather, the performance will be in the Community Room with seating for the first 80 registrants.

May 3, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Family origami (for families with children ages 3+)

Learn to fold paper to create a simple figure and then compete in a game.

May 7, 4 to 5 p.m.
Brush calligraphy workshop for children ages 8-12. Children learn the basics of the Asian art of writing with brush and ink.

May 9, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Manga workshop (for tweens and teens ages 10+).

Learn step-by-step the process of drawing characters, panel works, manga-style. Misako rocks from Japan to America. A slide show about Misako’s childhood in Japan, her move to the United States, and getting started as an artist.

May 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Nuido Japanese embroidery lecture and demonstration (for adults and teens).

Betty Hill will discuss and demonstrate her art and her experience at the Kurani Kai School of Embroidery in Japan.

May 17, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Japanese tea ceremony (adults).

Experience the beauty and pleasure of the Japanese way of tea in a traditional manner Presented by the Mid-Hudson Japanese Community Association.

May 21, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Korean storytelling and traditional new year’s ceremony for children.

Join us for stories and the Sebae ceremony, a traditional New Year’s greeting. There will be an opportunity to dress in traditional Korean costume and Korean snacks will be served. Bring your camera.

May 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
Korean lotus flower lantern workshop (for adults and teens).

The members of Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project will help you make a lotus flower lantern using colorful paper and wire frames. A $5 materials fee due at registration.

May 30, 7 to 8 p.m.
Classical Indian Kuchipudi dance performance (for all age groups).

An interactive workshop by a prominent international danseuse, Sahana Natesan, who will demonstrate and perform techniques and gestures of a dance from the Kuchipudi repertoire. This is a classical dance form from the South-East Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

May 31 at 2 p.m.
“Children Of The Land” (outdoor performance for all age groups)

Tommy Tcheng and Kaina Quenga will present an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience that will include puppetry, storytelling, ukulele, songs and hula, and maybe even some surfing.

In case of inclement weather the performance will be in the Community Room with seating for the first 80 registrants.

This project is also funded with support from the Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation.