 Family Day Sights and Sounds of China |
| Minneapolis Institute of Arts Sunday, January 14, 2007 11 A.M.-5 P.M. All activities are FREE |
 | SPECIAL EXHIBITION Sacred Sounds: The Bells of Ancient China 11 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Cargill Gallery, first floor Explore the technical, artistic, and musical beauty of ancient Chinese bells, used during ceremonies and elaborate rituals of the day. And see a set of twenty graduated bells—the largest group in a Western museum—from the late Bronze Age. |
| ASIAN BRUSH PAINTING STUDIO 11 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Classrooms 111-113, first floor Grind ink, load a brush, and paint. Try your hand with the same materials the Chinese have used for centuries. Create designs like those on the Chinese bells in the Cargill Gallery, and make a painting for the Year of the Pig. Instruction by Bob Schmitt of Laughing Waters Studio in Minneapolis. All ages welcome. HANDS-ON ART ACTIVITY 11 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Wells Fargo Community Room, first floor Create your own paper bell modeled after the ancient bronze Chinese bells in the Cargill Gallery. Top off your bell with twisting snakes or dragons, just like in the Bronze Age. Discover the hidden animals and fascinating meanings of these ancient musical beauties. Some cutting required; appropriate for all ages. |  |
 | MUSIC Gao Hong on the Chinese Pipa 12-4 P.M. ArtsBreak Cafe, first floor Enjoy the harmonious sounds of the Chinese pipa, performed by renowned musician Gao Hong. The pipa is a four-stringed, pear-shaped lute that can imitate a wide variety of musical effects—from flowing water, conversing geese, and trotting horses, to Chinese gongs and drums. All ages welcome. Hennepin Chime Handbell Choir 2:30 & 4 P.M. Jade Corridor, second floor Tune your ears to the magic of ringing bells. Back in the Bronze Age, the Chinese bells now on view in the Cargill Gallery were likely played only in a temple setting, their hauntingly beautiful sounds enjoyed exclusively by the elite. Today, everybody's invited to listen in to these wonderful handbell performances. All ages welcome. |
| DANCE PERFORMANCES Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater 12, 1:30 & 3:15 P.M. Pillsbury Auditorium, second floor Behold the beauty of Chinese dance, so rich in heritage, graceful movement, and colorful variety. Watch the Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater bring to the stage classical Chinese dances performed by children and adults. Performances last about 30 minutes. All ages welcome. |  |
 | TREASURE HUNT 11 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Main Lobby, first floor Take a musical journey of the MIA as you search the galleries far and wide for artwork inspired by music. From paintings to sculptures to musical instruments, you'll see how music has played a starring role in the arts of nearly every world culture. Start your melodic adventure at the Chinese bells on the first floor. After your journey, stop back to pick up your prize! CHINESE ART CART 12-4 P.M. Gallery 218, second floor Discover the arts of China through hands-on exploration of ancient ceramics, silk, lacquer, and other art objects. Also on display is a miniature set of Chinese enamel bells. Stop by to strike the bells with a mallet, and learn how to write a Chinese character. All ages welcome. |
China, Graduated Set of Twenty Yung-Po Bells, 5th Century B. C., bronze, Lent by Michele and David Dewey
China, Figure of a Squatting Drummer, Eastern Han dynasty, earthenware, Gift of funds from the Regis Foundation
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Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-3131
