Free Chinese Culture Sundays Presented by MetLife Foundation

Pacific Asia Museum introduces “Free Chinese Culture Sundays” presented by MetLife Foundation.

Beginning May 6, 2012, Pacific Asia Museum introduces “Free Chinese Culture Sundays” presented by MetLife Foundation. This new event series highlights the rich traditions of
Chinese cultural heritage and will be free and open to the public.

These programs, held in the historic Chinese-style building and courtyard of Pacific Asia Museum, give the community an opportunity to explore Chinese art and culture through workshops, performances and presentations and the Pacific Asia Museum galleries completely free of charge on three select

Sundays: May 6, June 3 and October 7, 2012.

On May 6, visitors can “Be a Chinese Scholar for a Day.” During the Song Dynasty, Chinese
scholars were expected to excel at the arts. This day-long program explores the wide variety of
artistic skills expected of the scholarly classes, presented through performances, tours and
interactive workshops. Ongoing throughout the day are craft activities and a family-friendly gallery
scavenger hunt. Beginning at 12 p.m., visitors can practice calligraphy, enjoy traditional Chinese
music and sample tea in Pacific Asia Museum’s picturesque courtyard. Docents will also give free
tours of the Chinese Ceramics Gallery in Chinese and English, focusing particularly on the display of Scholar’s Objects. In addition, Rosa Zee, Master of Chinese Flower Arrangement, will give three
interactive sessions on the Song Dynasty arts exploring Chinese flower arranging, calligraphy and
the traditional tea ceremony. Space in the three sessions is limited, and visitors may sign up for a
session beginning at 12 p.m. that day. From 4:30 -5:30 p.m. the scholarly arts of China continue as the local poets of Dragon Renaissance share original works in Chinese and English written in
classical and contemporary styles. Admission to Pacific Asia Museum is free all day for this event, and all activities and refreshments are also free of charge.

On June 3, the series continues with “A Day with Kung Fu Masters” co-hosted by Joy of Kung Fu,
featuring presentations and demonstrations by kung fu masters. A kung-fu film will be screened
both before and after the program. October 7th’s Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is the grand finale to
Pacific Asia Museum’s 2012 Chinese Culture Sundays. This day-long event includes  performances, crafts and activities, and complimentary refreshments in partnership with the Chinese Culture Development Center.

Admission to Pacific Asia Museum is free all day on June 3 and October 7, and all activities are included.

Free Chinese Culture Sundays are made possible by MetLife Foundation.

About Pacific Asia Museum Pacific Asia Museum is one of the few institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum’s mission is to further intercultural understanding through the arts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Since 1971, Pacific Asia Museum has served a broad audience of students, families, adults, and scholars through its exhibitions and programs.

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s longstanding tradition of
corporate contributions and community involvement. Our commitment to building a secure future
for individuals and communities worldwide is reflected in our dedication to empowering older
adults, preparing young people and building livable communities. Since it was established, MetLife
Foundation has provided more than $530 million in grants to nonprofit organizations addressing
issues that have a positive impact in their communities. For more information visit www.metlife.org