Getty Center's Family Festivals offer art, storytelling, dance and music! Focus on the Far East this Saturday, March 19

If you have never been to a Getty Center's Family Festival, start going now!   You and your children will be amazed by what you see and experience in just a few hours.   Our family have been going for years and family festivals at both Getty Villa and Center have been our favorite art and cultural learning venues.   Both museums are beautiful with world-class exhibits to begin with, but on a family festival day, a themed focus brings together performance, art projects, music and dance.  Don't forget to view the special exhibits that inspire this day's celebration.

GCP'sTip:  Bring along your address book because Getty Center will mail any decorated postcards to any place in the world.

Admission is free, but there is a parking fee of $15.  Take advantage of free parking after 5pm on Saturdays and view the most beautiful sunsets and cityviews.  No reservation is required.

For more info on everything at Getty Center, click on:  http://www.getty.edu

Here's the program from Getty Center's website for your convenience:

Family Festival Celebrating Photography from the New China and Felice Beato: A Photographer on the Eastern Road

Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free; no reservations required.

Discover the richness and beauty of the ancient empires of India, Japan, and China as well as recent explosions in artistic creativity. Experience traditional Chinese opera, listen to Chinese folktales told by a master storyteller, and be dazzled by the amazing music and dance of these vibrant cultures at this hands-on family festival.

Arpana Dance Company

Arpana Dance Company: Indian Music and Dance
A complex synthesis of music, sculpture, poetry, and color, the ancient dance form of Bharata Natyam will be brought to life by the Arpana Dance Company. The exciting display includes cross–rhythmic patterns, graceful hand gestures, and storytelling.
10:30–11:15 a.m.
3:15–4:00 p.m.
Museum Courtyard

Snap Yourself! Photo Booth
Inspired by the exhibition Photography from the New China, stop by this on–the–go photo booth to capture your family in action. Take home your picture and display it in your very own frame made at the Getty!
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
GRI Lawn

UCLA Confucius Institute Calligraphy Studio
A demonstration by master artist Fan Duanran on the art of Chinese calligraphy and a hands-on workshop led UCLA Mandarin Teaching Scholars. Master Fan will discuss and demonstration its history, techniques, and styles. This is a unique opportunity to witness a master at work, ask questions, and try your hand at one of the critical standards for Chinese literati.
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
1:30–3:00 p.m.
Museum Courtyard

	Barbara Wong

Barbara Wong—Storytelling
Hear storyteller Barbara G. Wong tell Chinese folktales full of humor and wisdom. These stories about dragons and ghosts, hundreds—even thousands—of years old, are still being told today.
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
2:45–3:30 p.m.
Museum Lecture Hall

The Artistry of Beijing Opera Make-Up

Beijing Opera Make-Up Demonstration
Have your make up done and dress up like a traditional Chinese opera performer!
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Museum Courtyard

The Shaolin Warriors and Chinatown Acrobats
Monks from China's famed Shaolin Temple, the Shaolin Warriors of Chinatown perform skillfully choreographed martial–arts feats alongside the spectacular Chinatown Acrobats. Breathtaking and beautiful, these ancient art forms date back over 2000 years.
Noon–12:45 p.m.
4:30–5:15 p.m.
Museum Courtyard

	China's Renowned Hu Wen-ge Performs Traditional Beijing Opera

A Journey into Beijing Opera
Presented by California Institute for Chinese Performing Arts (CICPA)
Enjoy a fun, interactive program filled with action, music, and beautiful costumes. Acclaimed Beijing opera artists from Taiwan, China, and England help uncover the mystery behind this traditional form of Chinese art.
1:00–2:00 p.m.
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Museum Lecture Hall

TAIKOPROJECT
TAIKOPROJECT presents a dynamic program blending traditional Japanese taiko drumming with contemporary rhythms and music.
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Museum Courtyard

Art-Making Workshops
10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Make a Frame
Use Chinese newspapers and magazines to create a frame fit for your own family portrait.

Pagoda Arcardtecture with Marni Gittleman
Construct a customized Pagoda with playing cards inspired by iconic elements of Asian architecture.

Chinese Calligraphy
Learn about the oldest continuously used writing system in the world. Explore what the characters mean and how to write them using traditional ink and brush. This workshop is led by alumni from the UCLA Confucius Institute Mandarin Teaching Scholars Program.

Postcards
Create your own work of art using rubber stamps and the Chinese calligraphy techniques you've learned. We will mail your postcard anywhere in the world!