Asian Hertiage Month Celebrations by Greater Victoria Public Library

Please check the GVPL calendar of events for more information and registration

Watercolour on Masa Paper: Birds
May 5, 2:00-3:30 pm @ Juan de Fuca Branch

Join professional wildlife artist Richard Wong for a workshop on painting birds, one of our most colourful creatures. Bring your own print-out, or work from a class design. No experience necessary. Registered.

Asian Heritage Month: The Kimono and Japanese Culture
May 5, 2:00-3:00 pm @ Central Branch 

From golden cranes embroidered on red satin to pink cherry blossoms emblazoned on silk crepe, the kimono doubles as a traditional Japanese garment and a piece of art. Join Hitomi Harama, kimono and Japanese culture specialist, for a talk on the history of the kimono and the traditional Japanese way of life. Registered.

Asian Heritage Month: Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan
May 6, 10:30-11:30 am @ Oak Bay Branch
For ages 6 and up; parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend. Listen to a traditional Chinese story told by local storyteller Su Ma, then practice Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, a series of Tai Chi movements and special techniques using a large fan. If you have a favourite fan, please bring it. No experience necessary. Registered.

Asian Heritage Month: Japanese Tea Ceremony

May 6, 11:00 am-12:00 pm @ Central Branch

The Japanese tea ceremony, called chado or the Way of Tea, is one of Japan’s time-honoured traditional arts. Experience the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea, influenced by Zen Buddhism and encompassing the principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Presented by the Victorian Urasenke Nagomi Tea Circle. Drop-in.

 Please note: Attendance is limited to 30 participants. Due to the sacred nature of this ceremony, we will not be able to admit late arrivals.

M is for Mandala

May 12, 2:30-3:30 pm @ Juan de Fuca Branch

For ages 6-9. Team up to create a mammoth mandala, a geometric pattern representing the universe, using objects found in nature — sand, pebbles, sticks and sea glass. Then, make a mandala paper design to take home. Registered.

Asian Heritage Month: Origami and the Art of Paper Folding

May 13, 10:30-11:30 am @ Bruce Hutchison Branch

Discover the Zen of origami. Join local origami enthusiast Stephen Tran for lessons in the mindful art of folding paper into miniature 3D models. Registered.

Asian Heritage Month: Mehndi Demonstration

May 20, 10:30 am-12:00 pm @ Nellie McClung Branch

Join local mehndi artist Poonam Ablak for a discussion and demonstration of mehndi, the ceremonial application of a semi-permanent, reddish-brown paste in intricate designs and patterns on the hands and feet. Developed in India, mehndi is an ancient, decorative art, traditionally applied as part of Hindu wedding customs. Registered.

Asian Heritage Month: Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan

May 13, 10:30-11:30 am @ Nellie McClung Branch

For ages 6 and up; parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend. Listen to a traditional Chinese story told by local storyteller Su Ma, then practice Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, a series of Tai Chi movements and special techniques using a large fan. If you have a favourite fan, please bring it. No experience necessary. Registered.

Asian Heritage Month: Origami and the Art of Paper Folding

May 13, 2:30-3:30 pm @ Saanich Centennial Branch

For ages 8-12. Discover the joy of origami. Join local origami enthusiast Stephen Tran for lessons in the magical art of folding paper into miniature 3D models. Registered.