API Events
2024
Thurs., Dec 5 at 1 pm. Virtual Asian Art Talk. DARSHAN The Act of “Seeing” in Hindu Art. This talk offers a chance to see some of the fabulous depictions of Hindu deities from the Asian Art Museum’s collection. Because Hinduism holds that even representations of deities possess divinity, the act of darshan (viewing an image of a deity) can be profound and auspicious for the believer. From the ten Avatars of Vishnu and the various forms of Shiva to a host of complex female deities, explore the storied pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses and the powerful possibilities of darshan. Refer to API ERG, DEI or LBNL Events calendar for Zoom link.
Fri., Dec 13 at noon. The SWANA Alliance is a new Employees Activities Association (EAA) formed to celebrate the diversity of the Southwest Asian/North African (SWANA)/Middle East region through educational and cultural events. They seek to create a community that builds social and cultural awareness of our shared history, scientific contributions, and artistic/culinary traditions. They will have a Kickoff Potluck on Friday Dec 13th at noon! Please join to hear about events by filling out our form.
API Event Calendar
Past Events
July 5, 2022 | Masterpieces of the Asian Art Museum. Docents led discussion about some of the masterpieces produced over time by Asia's numerous countries and cultures.
July 19, 2022 | Adornment: Displays for Wealth and Power. How have various Asian cultures chosen to evidence wealth, status, and power? Usually through their jewelry. Marvel at some of these opulent, fantastical, and awesome displays.
April 24, 2023 | Facing Mecca: Reflections of Islam in Art. Docents from the Asian Art Museum led a fascinating discussion about the variety and scope of art inspired by Islam – not just the religion, but Muslim culture and secular pursuits as well.
May 11, 2023 | The Silk Road: Globalization in the Ancient World. A docent from the Asian Art Museum led a fascinating discussion about ancient routes that provided goods, technologies, and ideas to cultures from the Mediterranean to the Pacific.
May 19, 2023 | The Language of Flowers. A docent from San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum led a fascinating discussion about the meanings of flowers and trees as reflected in the art of countries across Asia.
Feb 5, 2024 | Lunar New Year. An Asian Art Museum docent discussion about the traditions and symbolic foods that enrich the celebration of the Lunar New Year throughout various Asian cultures. Lanterns and couplets. Dragons and oranges. Red envelopes and housecleaning.
Mar 11, 2024 | The Goddess and Images of Power. A docent led a discussion exploring myriad depictions of female deities throughout Asia. Meet the wrathful avengers, phenomenal dakinis, and benevolent bodhisattvas who grace the collections of San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum. Whether feared or revered, these goddesses play an important and prominent role in many Asian religions.
Jun 20, 2024| Asian Art Museum: Expressions of Gender in Asian Art. Co-Hosted with the LAMBDA Alliance ERG.
Ambiguous and gender fluid depictions have existed in Asian art for thousands of years. Explore some of the fascinating ways various Asian cultures have represented people and deities as male, female, and non-binary. Virtual event.
Jun 24, 2024 | Falling Safely. Returning due to popular demand from the May 13th event.
Falls are a common source of injuries. In some crimes, victims are pushed to the ground. In the martial arts community, it is known we can reduce risk of injury by practicing techniques for safer falling. The techniques are simple and do not require a high level of fitness, but must be internalized through practice. For this reason, these sessions are in-person, and physical participation is required. Participants should plan to wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable for movement and for lying on a pad on the ground.
Aug 1, 2024| Genghis Khan: Hero or Tyrant. Ride with the Mongols and the Khans as they conquer their vast empires. Learn about their culture through the art they created and adapted from other cultures.
Sep 19, 2024| Persia: Crossroads of Art and Culture Uncover the unique artistic elements of ancient Middle Eastern art, and its influence on art across Asia and Europe. See API ERG Calendar for Zoom link.
Sep 19, 2024| Origami Tea Time Have you ever wanted to learn how to make origami paper cranes? Come join us! API ERG member Sydney Fujita will show you how it is done while we enjoy tea, snacks, and each other’s company.
Oct 21, 2024 | Filipino Heritage Month Celebration. We will have Filipino snacks and we encourage you to bring your lunch to this casual gathering.
Oct 23, 2024 | Origami Tea Time Have you ever wanted to learn how to make origami paper cranes? Come join us! API ERG member Sydney Fujita will show you how it is done while we enjoy tea, snacks, and each other’s company.
Oct 29, 2024 | Virtual Book Club. Our next book club meeting is planned for October, which is Filipino American History Month. We will discuss Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen, by Jose Antonio Vargas.