Drop by the Art and Nature Center for hands-on art activities the whole family will enjoy. Museum educators lead projects that are inspired by the PEM collections and special exhibitions. Schedule is subject to change.

Made possible by American Dental Partners.

Drop by the art studios for hands-on art activities the whole family will enjoy. Museum educators lead projects inspired by the special exhibition “Polar Attractions” in the Art and Nature Center. All ages are welcome to participate. Schedule is subject to change.

Made possible by the American Dental Partners.

Team up with your family and discover the similarities and differences between the two poles and the amazing life that inhabits the Arctic and Antarctic. Then, like the artists who collaborate with scientists to create meaningful artwork, explore the process of data collection and experimentation and create a large-scale work of art.

Made possible by New Trade Winds/ECHO.

Drop by the art studios for hands-on art activities the whole family will enjoy. Museum educators lead projects inspired by the special exhibition “Polar Attractions” in the Art and Nature Center. All ages are welcome to participate. Schedule is subject to change.

Made possible by the American Dental Partners.

Drop by the art studios for hands-on art activities the whole family will enjoy. Museum educators lead projects inspired by the special exhibition “Polar Attractions” in the Art and Nature Center. All ages are welcome to participate. Schedule is subject to change.

Made possible by the American Dental Partners.

2 pm, Taiko performance
3-3:45 pm Taiko performance followed by Obon dancing

Obon dancing is enjoyed throughout Japan in August, when family memberes gather to honor their ancesters. Join members Odailo New England for a taiko drumming performance and Obon dancing with middle school students from Ota, Salem’s sister city, in Tokyo, Japan. Learn the dance moves Tokyo Ondo and join the dance!

Made possible by New Trade Winds/ECHO.

Explore the homes of amazing creatures living on local and distant shorelines. Listen to a reading of Nancy Elizabeth Wallace’s Shells! Shells! Shells! Surrounded by artwork inspired by the sea. Then view some common and rare shells before creating your own shell design.

Made possible by New Trade Winds/ECHO. Another Story Time held August 17.

Explore art and culture from around the world at PEM! The Arts Adventures Club invites children ages 7–11 to create their own art inspired by the museum’s collections and special exhibitions. Each day features a new theme such as Chinese art and culture, animals in art and a behind-the-scenes excursion. Art projects incorporate many media in 2-D and 3-D formats and will be exhibited on the last day of each session for family members and friends to view. Choose Session I from July 28 - August 1 or Session II from August 4 - 8.

To register, download the registration form below (Adobe Acrobat required) and fax or mail it to PEM. Or, call 978-745-9500 ext 3213.

The city’s Maritime Festival at Derby Wharf celebrates New England’s long seafaring history and traditions. Enjoy live music (Entrain, Orville Gidden’s band, Squeeze Box Stompers and others), demonstrations, exhibits, tours of the tall ship Friendship, the Custom House and the Derby House, food and family-friendly activities. This year’s festival kicks off Salem’s Heritage Days.

The 20th Annual Salem Maritime Festival continues throughout the weekend. See listings for Saturday, August 2, 10 am-dusk and Sunday, August 3, noon-5 pm.

Made possible in part by PEM and New Trade Winds/ECHO

The city’s Maritime Festival at Derby Wharf celebrates New England’s long seafaring history and traditions. Enjoy live music (Entrain, Orville Gidden’s band, Squeeze Box Stompers and others), demonstrations, exhibits, tours of the tall ship Friendship, the Custom House and the Derby House, food and family-friendly activities. This year’s festival kicks off Salem’s Heritage Days.

The 20th Annual Salem Maritime Festival continues throughout the weekend. See listings for Friday, August 1, 7-9 pm and Sunday, August 3, noon-5 pm.

Made possible in part by PEM and New Trade Winds/ECHO

Drop by the art studios for hands-on art activities the whole family will enjoy. Museum educators lead projects inspired by the special exhibition “Polar Attractions” in the Art and Nature Center. All ages are welcome to participate. Schedule is subject to change.

Made possible by the American Dental Partners.

The city’s Maritime Festival at Derby Wharf celebrates New England’s long seafaring history and traditions. Enjoy live music (Entrain, Orville Gidden’s band, Squeeze Box Stompers and others), demonstrations, exhibits, tours of the tall ship Friendship, the Custom House and the Derby House, food and family-friendly activities. This year’s festival kicks off Salem’s Heritage Days.

The 20th Annual Salem Maritime Festival continues throughout the weekend. See listings for Friday, August 1, 7-9 pm and Saturday, August 2 10 am-dusk.

Made possible in part by PEM and New Trade Winds/ECHO

Explore art and culture from around the world at PEM! The Arts Adventures Club invites children ages 7–11 to create their own art inspired by the museum’s collections and special exhibitions. Each day features a new theme such as Chinese art and culture, animals in art and a behind-the-scenes excursion. Art projects incorporate many media in 2-D and 3-D formats and will be exhibited on the last day of each session for family members and friends to view. Choose Session I from July 28 - August 1 or Session II from August 4 - 8.

To register, download the registration form below (Adobe Acrobat required) and fax or mail it to PEM. Or, call 978-745-9500 ext 3213.

Join the celebration!
While China hosts the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, get into the spirit at PEM with athletic and martial arts activities, music and art making. And don’t miss your chance for an Olympic souvenir - the first 200 visitors each day will receive official Olympic pins!

FAMILY WORKSHOP AND DEMONSTRATION

Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
For children ages 6 and up and their adult companions
Members only | 10 am, Yin Yu Tang forecourt
Open to all | 1 pm, East India Marine Hall
Reservations requested by August 5, please call 978-745-9500, ext 3011.

Taijiquan, or tai chi, integrates mind, body and spirit. It uses meditation and deep breathing coupled with a series of continuous exercises or “forms,” which resemble slow-moving ballet. Though it originated as a martial art, taijiquan is practiced for therapeutic benefits that include reduced stress, better balance and flexibility, and eased arthritis pain. Explore taijiquan with instructors and young students from the school of the Chinese Historical Society of New England.

The Music of the Sheng, with Hu Jianbing
11:30 am and 4:15 pm, Atrium
And in the museum galleries throughout the weekend

Nearly 3,000 years old, the sheng, or mouth organ, is one of the oldest instruments in China. It is made up of a bundle of pipes that are blown by the musician to produce up to six individual notes simultaneously. PEM welcomes master sheng player Hu Jianbing, who first performed here in 2004 as part of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project and has played at venues around the world.

DEMONSTRATION AND WORKSHOP

Table Tennis/Ping Pong
noon – 4 pm, Yin Yu Tang forecourt

Table tennis was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1988 and is considered the world’s largest participation sport by the International Olympic Committee. Watch the pros from M.I.T.’s nationally ranked Table Tennis Club, and then try your hand at this challenging yet fun sport for all ages. Weather permitting, ping-pong will be played in the forecourt of Yin Yu Tang in the tradition of families in the Chinese countryside who play outside of their homes on makeshift tables.

DROP-IN ART ACTIVITIES

1 – 3 pm, Art Studios

Celebrate Chinese art and culture with fun art activities for the whole family.

DEMONSTRATION

Martial Arts Master Wang Anlin
2 pm, Atrium

The Peabody Essex Museum is pleased to welcome Wang Anlin, a grandmaster of the Wensheng sect of martial arts. He has mastered both the Shaolin and Wensheng styles of martial art; he is also an expert of luodishenggen (rooted on earth) gongfu (kung fu) and can withstand the force of up to 20 people pushing on him at the same time. The wide range of Mr. Wang’s repertoire is known internationally and he has students both in China and around the world.

PRESENTATION AND BOOK SIGNING

Chinese in Boston, 1870-1965
3:30 pm, Morse Auditorium
Reservations requested by August 8, please call 978-745-9500, ext 3011.

In his book, Chinese in Boston, 1870-1965, author Wing-kai To presents the first pictorial history of Boston’s Chinese community. Through participation in community organizations, merchant activities, educational opportunities and civic protests, Chinese residents of Boston persevered, simultaneously assimilating into American culture while maintaining their Chinese identity. They formed a close-knit community that distinguished Boston’s Chinatown as one of the oldest and most enduring Chinese neighborhoods on the East Coast. Wing-kai To is an associate professor of history and coordinator of Asian Studies at Bridgewater State College. He coauthored the book with The Chinese Cultural Society of New England, which was founded in 1992 to document, preserve and promote the history and legacy of Chinese immigration in New England. A book signing follows the presentation.

This Atrium Alive weekend is made possible by the Lowell Institute.

Join the celebration!
While China hosts the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, get into the spirit at PEM with athletic and martial arts activities, music and art making. And don’t miss your chance for an Olympic souvenir - the first 200 visitors each day will receive official Olympic pins!

LION DANCE AND MARTIAL ARTS DEMONSTRATION

Gongfu (Kung Fu), Wushu and Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
noon – 1 pm, Atrium

PEM opens this day of activities with a lion dance and ribbon dance presented by teachers and students from Calvin Chin’s Martial Arts Academy based in Newtonville, MA. Then, martial arts experts Lin Lin Choy and Calvin Chin demonstrate the hard and soft styles of martial arts. Taijiquan (tai chi), a soft style, is now practiced worldwide for its health benefits. In contrast, gongfu (kung fu) was initially called Ch’uan Fa or “fist way.” It is one of the oldest martial arts and has influenced younger styles such as wushu, a mixture of circuslike acrobatics and martial art. After their demonstrations, Ms. Choy and Mr. Chin lead workshops for teens and adults.

Gongfu (kung fu)
1 to 1:45 | East India Marine Hall

Taijiquan (tai chi)
2:30 to 3:15 pm | East India Marine Hall

DROP-IN ART ACTIVITIES

1 – 3 pm, Art Studios

Celebrate Chinese art and culture with fun art activities for the whole family.

PERFORMANCE

The Music of the Sheng, with Hu Jianbing
2 pm, Atrium

And in the museum galleries throughout the weekend

Nearly 3,000 years old, the sheng, or mouth organ, is one of the oldest instruments in China. It is made up of a bundle of pipes that are blown by the musician to produce up to six individual notes simultaneously. PEM welcomes master sheng player Hu Jianbing, who first performed here in 2004 as part of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project and has played at venues around the world.

FILM

My Dream
3:30 pm, Morse Auditorium
2007, 90 minutes, directed by Wang Honghai
In Chinese with English subtitles
Reservations requested by August 9, please call 978-745-9500, ext 3011.

Movies can expand your consciousness by making your aware of entire worlds that you never knew existed. My Dream, a visually ravishing documentary about the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe as they prepare for the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, is one such film. What’s most remarkable about many of the performers in the film – like blind dancers who incorporate canes into their perfectly timed choreography – is that if you didn’t know, you wouldn’t realize from their performances that they are disabled. My Dream offers stirring proof that natural-born talent, when nurtured, can overcome practically any obstacle.

This Atrium Alive weekend is made possible by the Lowell Institute.

Drop by the art studios for hands-on art activities the whole family will enjoy. Museum educators lead projects inspired by the special exhibition “Polar Attractions” in the Art and Nature Center. All ages are welcome to participate. Schedule is subject to change.

Made possible by the American Dental Partners.

Meet a beekeeper and discover the roles bees play in our lives. Listen to Linda Oatman High’s Beekeepers, read near a traditional Korean beehive on view at PEM; then create beeswax candles and taste honey straight from the comb.

Made possible by New Trade Winds/ECHO.

Drop by the art studios for hands-on art activities the whole family will enjoy. Museum educators lead projects inspired by the special exhibition “Polar Attractions” in the Art and Nature Center. All ages are welcome to participate. Schedule is subject to change.

Made possible by the American Dental Partners.

Drop by the art studios for hands-on art activities the whole family will enjoy. Museum educators lead projects inspired by the special exhibition “Polar Attractions” in the Art and Nature Center. All ages are welcome to participate. Schedule is subject to change.

Made possible by the American Dental Partners.