Explore intricate fabric installations by Limei Lai, a Portland-based Chinese American artist. In her own words: “On top of a chaotic, messy, tangled, frayed, knotted forest of seemingly random threads, tapestry finds order and beauty, much like art and life.”
Regular hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Saturday, May 2 hours: 12:00-6:30 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM daily) Clothing is a powerful expression of culture, reflecting history, identity, and tradition through form, color, and pattern. Threading Together brings together traditional attire from local AANHPI community members, each piece offering a window into lived experience […]
Join Lan Su to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! In partnership with more than 20 local cultural organizations, performers, and artists, we explore the history, traditions, and arts that make up the rich cultural tapestry of AANHPI. Enjoy a display of traditional outfits, cultural performances, vendors from local AANHPI […]
Lan Su is honored to host its second delegation visit from China this May, welcoming the Inner Mongolia Art Theatre, a leading state-affiliated performing arts company from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This special event offers a rare opportunity to experience the distinctive dance and music traditions of Inner Mongolia, bringing the spirit of the […]
Hollywood Theatre presents a special screening of Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” 臥虎藏龍 in support of Lan Su Chinese Garden this AANHPI Heritage Month. The evening features a special martial arts demonstration by Summit Wushu Academy.
Come join us for Threading Together Show & Tell, an interactive visitor experience that brings the stories behind traditional attire to life. This program is part of our Threading Together: AANHPI Traditional Attire Exhibit. On May 15, step into traditional Filipino style with the Filipino American Friendship Club of Oregon. Explore the meaning, history, and […]
Each Saturday in May highlights a unique AANHPI culture, with community partners taking the lead on experiences, performances, and vendors to showcase their heritage. Join us Saturday, May 16, as Kalabharathi School of Dance brings us a full day honoring and celebrating Indian culture. Schedule of Events TimeProgramDetails10:00 AM to 6:00 PMFood & Retail VendorsSilSila The Flaming […]
The beautiful saree, a traditional garment worn by Indian women, reflects India’s rich history, culture, and aesthetic heritage.In this demonstration, a saree specialist will show how to wear a sari properly and elegantly, while also explaining the role of the saree in Indian tradition and its cultural significance. Meet the Community Partner: Kalabharathi School of […]
“Kolam” is a traditional form of Indian folk art, originally created as decorative patterns drawn at the entrance of homes. These intricate designs were intended to form a symbolic maze that would trap evil spirits and prevent them from entering the house.In this art and craft activity, visitors will have the opportunity to experience and […]
Come join us for Threading Together Show & Tell, an interactive visitor experience that brings the stories behind traditional attire to life. This program is part of our Threading Together: AANHPI Traditional Attire Exhibit. On May 22, step into traditional Chinese style with Micheal Clendenen. The program will conclude with a 30 minute talk featuring […]
Each Saturday in May highlights a unique AANHPI culture, with community partners taking the lead on experiences, performances, and vendors to showcase their heritage. Join us Saturday, May 23, as Oregon Chinese Coalition brings us a full day honoring and celebrating Chinese culture. TimeProgramDetails10:00 AM to 6:00 PMFood & Retail VendorsBeijing Bro, Little Beijing, Seremony Pavilion, & […]
Did you know China was the first civilization in the world to use paper currency? As early as the Song Dynasty, paper money was already in circulation more than 600 years before it appeared in the West. In this hands on workshop, visitors will explore the history of ancient Chinese currency and discover how money […]
Experience the beauty and tradition of Chinese tea culture through a guided Tea Ceremony Demonstration. This interactive session includes an introduction to Chinese tea traditions, a live tea brewing demonstration, and the opportunity to sample a selection of Chinese teas. Learn about the history, techniques, and meaning behind the tea ceremony while enjoying the flavors […]
Renowned calligraphy artist Wei Li will present a live calligraphy demonstration and introduction to the art form. During the session, visitors will also could experience Chinese brush writing and calligraphy themselves. Meet the Community Partner: The Oregon Chinese Coalition is a local Chinese organization dedicated to building a connected and united Chinese community that embraces […]
Experience the art of Chinese calligraphy through a hands-on cultural activity led by OCC volunteers. Visitors will learn the basics of traditional Chinese brush writing and have the opportunity to practice calligraphy themselves in an interactive and welcoming setting. Meet the Community Partner: The Phoenix Hanfu Society was established earlier this year (2023) by a […]
The diabolo (also called Yo-Yo in China) is a traditional Chinese folk toy and also a performance prop. It is spun rapidly using a string to perform tossing tricks and dance-like movements. Visitors are invited to watch a diabolo performance and try simple diabolo techniques themselves. Meet the Community Partner: The Dragonfly Diabolo Team was formed […]
A Hanfu showcase and fashion walk presented by the OCC Hanfu Team, featuring introductions, demonstrations, and interactive activities with the audience. Meet the Community Partner: The Phoenix Hanfu Society was established earlier this year (2023) by a group of local students. It is a community-based team with the objective of promoting understanding of Chinese culture […]
Discover the unique sound of the yangqin, a traditional Chinese hammered string instrument known for its bright and delicate tone. Played with slender bamboo beaters, the yangqin has long been an important part of Chinese folk orchestras, opera accompaniment, and traditional cultural performances. Join us for a live demonstration to experience the instrument up close […]
Renowned calligraphy artist Wei Li will present a live calligraphy demonstration and introduction to the art form. During the session, visitors will also could experience Chinese brush writing and calligraphy themselves. Meet the Community Partner: The Oregon Chinese Coalition is a local Chinese organization dedicated to building a connected and united Chinese community that embraces […]
Traditional Chinese folk toys and games have long been enjoyed as playful ways to encourage creativity, problem solving, and imagination. Join us for a fun and interactive Rubik’s Cube demonstration where visitors can watch different solving techniques, learn basic strategies, and explore the challenge behind this classic puzzle game. Guests are also welcome to try […]
Come join us for Threading Together Show & Tell, an interactive visitor experience that brings the stories behind traditional attire to life. This program is part of our Threading Together: AANHPI Traditional Attire Exhibit. On May 29, step into traditional Japanese style with Misao, Paula, and Masayo of the Portland Kimono Club. Explore the meaning, […]
Each Saturday in May highlights a unique AANHPI culture, with community partners taking the lead on experiences, performances, and vendors to showcase their heritage. Join us Saturday, May 30, as Teva Oriata brings us a full day honoring and celebrating Pacific Islander cultures. Schedule of Events TimeProgramDetails10:00 AM to 4:30 PMFood & Retail VendorsTeva Oriata, Manoa Shave […]
In Hawaiʻi, a lei—and in Tahiti, a hei—is a handmade adornment given as an expression of love and connection. Traditionally crafted by binding fresh flowers and foliage with natural fibers, lei are worn on the po‘o (head) or ‘a‘i (neck), carrying the care and intention of the maker. Join us to learn the art of […]
Experience the Islands of Tahiti through music. In ‘Ori Tahiti, the drums are the heartbeat of the dance, guiding every movement and bringing the story to life. Polynesian culture and history are preserved and passed down through dance, with the rhythms and traditional instruments of the islands giving them voice. The to‘ere (log drum) is […]
Explore the tradition of tatau (tattoo) across the Pacific Islands, where body marking is more than adornment—it reflects identity, genealogy, and connection to culture. In places like Sāmoa, Tahiti, Hawaiʻi, and Aotearoa, tatau carries deep cultural meaning and responsibility. This talk will highlight the significance, symbolism, and regional differences of tatau, while also touching on […]