Closing of the exhibition George Nakashima: Nature, Form & Spirit

FREE ADMISSION

• 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Learn about New Year's symbols and traditions with arts and crafts classes for children of all ages.
• 11:00 AM - Let's Read! Story Time: How the Years Were Named, retold by Chizuko Kamichi
• 12:00 PM - Let's Read! Story Time: A Hawai`i Japanese New Year with Yuki-Chan by Tokie Ching
• 2:00 PM - The Pasadena Cultural Institute Kendo Dojo will showcase principles and techniques of kendo or "the way of the sword." The dojo is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
• 3:00 PM - Let's Read! Story Time: A Hawai`i Japanese New Year with Yuki-Chan by Tokie Ching

In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, this program will explore ways to extend friendship in our diverse community. Join us for storytelling and music, and make a token of friendship -- bracelet, keychain, or necklace -- to share with a friend.

The National Museum presents a panel discussion exploring issues raised by the exhibition Black Belt. Originally organized by the Studio Museum in Harlem and on view at SMMOA through February 12, Black Belt probes the interconnected effects of multiculturalism on popular culture and art practice. Panelists will include artists, scholars, and others who consider the impact of political movements, demographic shifts, and the fantastic idolatry of Bruce Lee on the complex history of co-existence between Asians and African Americans in 1970s Los Angeles.

The Life History Program is an integral part of the National Museum's effort to gather and preserve stories for future generations. This three-part series will offer tools and techniques for collecting family histories. Led by Senior Art Historian Art Hansen, PhD?, the first session covers the interview process, including formulating questions and tips to work effectively with relatives. Onetime workshop fee of $20 for National Museum members, $25 for non-members. Cost includes class materials and resources.

Be prepared for birthdays, holidays, and "just because" occasions by creating whimsical pop-up cards for that special family member or friend. Class fees are $5 for National Museum members and $11 for non-members, includes museum admission and supplies. Reservations recommended.

Through images and stage directions, Denise Uyehara has written a compelling book that sheds light on some of her most popular performance art pieces. Uyehara will perform selected works profiled in her book and speak about the process of compiling her work for Maps of City & Body.