Asia After Dark: Chinese Martial Arts

The Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art will transform into a cultural hot spot for the final "Asia After Dark" after-hours event of the summer, featuring a night of discovery and exploration into Chinese martial arts and 3-D printing technology.

About Asia After Dark:

Asia After Dark (est. in 2009) is one of the most popular summer afterhours events in Washington, DC. The sell-out night brings over 1,000 cultural revelers out to experience Asian art like never before. The event features thematic lighting, visuals and décor, top Asian DJs, cutting-edge performance artists and dance troupes, hands-oncreative art activities, photobooths, traditional foods, and specialty bar drinks. The event has featured thehtalents of artists such as, iona rozeal brown,  Steve Aoki, DJ Rekha, Brian Liu and Nick Pimentel of DJs Yellow Fever,  Ashish “Hash” Vyas of Thievery Corporation, Jerry Busher, Chris Haskett (DJ Linux), Radio Javan Djs, DJ Cassidy Karakorn, Paul Miller(aka DJ Spooky), and DJ Asu Rock.  

Asia After Dark: Chinese Martial Arts

On Saturday, Aug. 17, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art will transform into a cultural hot spot for the final "Asia After Dark" after-hours event of the summer, featuring a night of discovery and exploration into Chinese martial arts and 3-D printing technology. Through a special collaboration with the team planning the Smithsonian Innovation Space at the Arts & Industries Building, opening September 2014, guests can explore 3-D scanning and printing with experts from the Smithsonian’s digitization program unit and participate in the creation of a 10-foot-tall replica statue of the Freer’s renowned “Cosmological Buddha,” on view on in “Promise of Paradise: Early Chinese Buddhist Sculpture.” Keith Wilson, curator of ancient Chinese art, will also be on hand to discuss his latest research and what 3-D technology reveals about the scenes portrayed on the Buddha’s robe.

As the night continues and creative forces unfold, guests can experience kung fu martial arts and lion dance demonstrations, and the battle sounds of DJs Hop Fu, who will present their popular “hip-hop meets kung fu” performance—a live show that presents classic kung fu films with a live hip-hop musical score. Tai chi demonstrations and a crafty teacup sleeve art activity provide a calming counterpoint. Specialty cocktails and food trucks will be available throughout the evening. 

Ticket prices are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; Silk Road Society prices are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The ticket price includes one free drink, and guests must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend. Make sure to check us out on Facebook! For more information, and to buy tickets, visit http://www.asia.si.edu/asiaafterdark/.