May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! It’s a time to celebrate the stories, cultures and contributions of AANHPI communities that have helped shape the world around us. This month is all about honoring that legacy, spotlighting diversity and discovering new stories. Join us as we honor and celebrate the rich kaleidoscope of AANHPI cultures, traditions and achievements through exciting events and more.
Events for Adults
Lotus Flower Lantern Craft
Monday, May 4, 6:30 p.m.
The Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project will teach you step-by-step how to make a lotus flower lantern using colored paper and a pre-made wireframe. You will also learn about Korea’s unique history and culture, and a short documentary film will be played toward the end of the class. This is an in-person craft with a virtual presenter. Registration required.
Sushi Made Easy
Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m.
Join Jen Paleracio of Lean Bella’s Kitchen to learn how to make sushi rolls. In this sushi demonstration, learn to make California and salmon rolls. Recipes and tasty samples will be shared. A signed waiver is required to attend this program. Registration required.
Sijo: Korea’s Poetry Form (Zoom)
Tuesday, May 19, 7 p.m.
Lucy Park of Sejong Cultural Society will showcase the Korean art of Sijo, a traditional three-line form of poetry that typically explores cosmological, metaphysical or pastoral themes. Registration required.
Events for Teens (Grades 6–12)
Koinobori: Japanese Carp Kites
Monday, May 4, 4–5 p.m.
Make your own Koinobori, a colorful carp-shaped kite! Learn a bit about this Japanese tradition while designing and decorating your very own flying koi. Drop in.
Kapa Cloth Painting
Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.
Create a painting inspired by traditional Hawaiian kapa, a fabric made from barkcloth, using brown paper bags, acrylic paint pens and charcoal. Registration required.
Parol Magic: Filipino Lantern Workshop
Monday, May 11, 6 p.m.
Create your own parol, a Filipino holiday tradition and iconic star-shaped lantern! Learn about the history of parols while decorating and assembling a lantern that lights up your space. Registration required.
Events for Kids & Families
Māori Poi Toy
Monday, May 4, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Create your own modern poi toys to spin along to music in this dance activity based on the traditional Māori performance art. Registration required.
Night Market
Monday, May 11, 6–7:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Explore Fountaindale’s Night Market! Join us for an evening of crafts and snacks inspired by the unique vendors who gather together in Korea, China, the Philippines and more! Drop in.
Tubular Designs with Fazlur
Wednesday, May 13, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Engineer some totally tubular buildings using the methods of Fazlur Rahman Khan, the engineer behind both the Sears Tower and the Hancock Building! Drop in.
Build Like Yasmeen Lari
Monday, May 18, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–2
The latest technology may not be the best way to solve a problem! Build your own structure and learn how traditional materials and methods keep people safe from earthquakes and floods. Registration required.
Paper Lantern Crafting
Tuesday, May 19, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Discover the history and types of paper lanterns used throughout Asia. Then craft your own hanging lantern, sky lantern or water lantern. Registration required.