Above / DuPage Children’s Museum, located at 301 N. Washington Street, presents Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China, supported, by the Freeman Foundation, from January 16 to May 29, 2016.
Opening to the public on January 16, 2016, Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China is an exhibition designed to engage children and families in learning about one of the oldest civilizations – and now among the most modern – in the world through some of its young people. Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China was created by Boston Children’s Museum and is part of the Freeman Foundation Asian Culture Exhibit Series, funded by The Freeman Foundation and administered by Association of Children’s museums. The exhibit will be hosted by DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) through May 29, 2016.
With breathtaking speed China has become a global power. Global transportation and telecommunications have facilitated the fast flow of goods, services and ideas around the world. But now we need to get behind the glare of the headlines. Children of Hangzhou is devoted to expanding knowledge, understanding and appreciation of contemporary China through life in, Hangzhou. In distinctively Chinese settings, visitors will “meet” children with different interests and in different environments and learn what makes them tick. The exhibit will dispel stereotypes and “demystify” China.
Exhibit runs January 16 through May 29, 2016
Through this exhibit, DuPage Children’s Museum strives to increase awareness around China.
Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China presents four children from Hangzhou at home, at school, in the library, in the theater, and in the countryside. The Hangzhou young people will introduce themselves through media and the activities of their daily lives. Visitors will discover that Chinese life today mixes ancient traditions with modern lifestyles and that life in China is both similar to and different from life in North America. The young Chinese in the exhibit will be a bridge to learning about China and building cross-cultural understanding. The exhibit features original artwork created to present a unique Chinese aesthetic that delivers an immediate and unmistakable impression: You are in China.
5-8PM Fri., January 15
On Friday, January 15, 2016, from 5PM to 8PM, DCM will host a VIP & Members only exhibit sneak peek event that will include an official ribbon cutting, lion dance performances by Chinese American Service League (CASL), dancers performing from Yang Dance Academy, and cultural activities.
9AM Sat., January 16
On Saturday, January 16, 2016, DCM will open the exhibit to the public at 9AM. The day will provide members and visitors with “triple the fun.” The popular Naperville Plays event, a collaborative partnership with Naper Settlement, Naperville Libraries, and DCM, will be hosted here with a full line-up of cultural Chinese performances and activities that tie directly into the exhibit, and the lives of the four Chinese children.
Naper Settlement will acquaint young visitors with methods of learning in the 19th Century and the differences between school life today and that of schoolchildren in the 1800s. Concepts of life on a farm, chores and transportation to and from school will be introduced. Children can create an instrument, and make a very simple biscuit recipe or brown play-dough.
Naperville Library will provide a 3D printer demonstration on-site to complement the biscuit dough activity showing how it can make cookie cutters, and will provide story times with puppets.
And finally, DuPage Children’s Museum will host a cultural Chinese performance and will have Chinese kite and paper-cutting activities to enjoy.
In preparation for the promotion and arrival of the exhibit, DCM, with the help of Mr. Billy Liu, a Children of Hangzhou Advisory Council was created. Mr. Billy Liu is the Honorary Co-Chair of the committee, North American Executive Director – Hurun Report, and Chairman – Chinese Community Outreach, Mayor’s Office/City of Naperville. The council consists of dignitaries having significant business and personal relationships within Chinese communities throughout the Chicagoland region.
As a nonprofit organization, DCM relies on the generous support of corporate and individual donors to help fund exhibits. Current exhibit sponsors and in-kind donors of Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China include BMO Harris; Chinese General Chamber of Commerce-Chicago; Judy Hsu and Tracy Leddy; Sean and Pei Hong,Yu’s Mandarin Restaurant; Mapo Restaurant and Sushi House. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact DCM’s Development Department to inquire, 630-637-8000.
For more information, visit www.dupagechildrens.org.
Submitted for immediate release by Dee McDevitt for the DuPage Children’s Museum
