First Art Block at Flower Market Fair kicks off Lunar New Year Celebrations
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Indigo Hua (They/Them)
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San Francisco, CA – January 21, 2025 In celebration of the Year of the Snake, the Flower Market Fair in San Francisco’s Chinatown will feature an exciting newly commissioned art installation, “Arm Day, Leg Day” by artist Bijun Liang, presented by the Chinese Culture Center (CCC).
This large-scale, interactive work invites visitors to engage with playful 15-foot inflatable cats that offer a fresh interpretation of traditional Chinese symbols of protection and good fortune.
“CCC is thrilled to partner with the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce to present this new pop up as part of its newly debuted art and culture block,” said Yuanyuan Zhu, CCC’s Director of Programs.
“‘Arm Day, Leg Day’ reimagines traditional aspects of Chinese culture of guardian lions and beckoning cats to blend whimsy with cultural significance,” said artist Bijun Liang. “The artwork invites festival-goers to pet the cats, offering the opportunity to receive ‘福 Body Protection’ during the New Year.”
福 Fook or fu is the Chinese character for good fortune and is culturally important for the health, well-being and wishes of flourishing prosperity during the Lunar New Year season. In addition, visitors are invited to participate in a community-driven wishing wall, where they can share their New Year’s wishes and receive a special Lunar New Year giveaway, inspired by the Flower Fair.
“We are thrilled artists are invited to be part of the Flower Fair Market to reimagine a fun and new way to prepare for the upcoming Lunar Year. We can’t wait for everyone to join in,” said Zhu.
The art pop-up will take place on Saturday and Sunday, January 25-26, in front of 667 Grant Avenue in San Francisco, the site of CCC’s future expansion site. The art block will include “Arm Day, Leg Day,” as well as an installation by the Chinese Historical Society of America. The Flower Fair Market kicks off the two week long celebration of Lunar New Year festivities, including the Opening Ceremony on January 29 and culminates with the Chinese New Year Parade on February 15. The art pop-up also coincides with SF Art Week, running from January 18-January 26.
This project is in partnership with the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce and supported by Avenue Greenlight. Additional operating support from San Francisco Grants for the Arts, San Francisco Arts Commission, Stop the Hate - California Department of Social Services, Crankstart Giving Fund, CCC Contemporaries.
For more information about “Arm Day, Leg Day” and CCC, visit CCC's website or contact Director of Programs, Yuanyuan Zhu, yuanyuan@cccsf.us.
PRESS KIT: Please credit Chinese Culture Center for all image use.
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Established in 1965, CCC (the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco) is a non-profit arts organization with a rich legacy spanning 60 years. Throughout its history, CCC has played a pivotal role in elevating Chinatown through the arts, as both a vibrant neighborhood and a poignant metaphor for the immigrant experience. In recent years, CCC has undergone transformative growth, presenting thought-provoking international exhibitions and engaging educational programs. The organization’s commitment to spotlighting pressing and nuanced issues of our time sparks essential dialogues, uniting diverse perspectives and inspiring meaningful actions toward a more inclusive and equitable society. Some of its iconic programming includes “Chinatown History and Art Walking Tour,” “XianRui: Artist in Excellence Series,” “41 Ross: Artist-in-Residence,” and the “Hungry Ghost Festival.” To learn more visit cccsf.us or follow CCC on Facebook or Instagram.
Bijun Liang is a Chinese-American artist, born and raised in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Known for her interactive installations and public art, Liang’s work combines humor, playfulness, and community engagement. Recent exhibitions include those at The Headlands Center for the Arts, Chinatown Media & Arts Collaborative, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Her installations, such as “Facepalm” and “Omens in Chinatown”, reflect her commitment to amplifying the voices of the community. Liang’s work has also been recognized by prestigious art collections, including SuperRare and LACMA.
About the Flower Market Fair and Lunar New Year Festivities
The Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair, organized by the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce, is held the weekend before the start of the Lunar New Year, and is traditionally a vibrant celebration of the season where families make preparations for the Lunar New Year. Featuring over 40 booths, the fair offers fresh flowers, fruits, candies, and other goods to welcome the new year. Visitors can also enjoy performances by magicians, acrobats, folk dancers, and opera performers.
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2025年1月XX日，加州舊金山——為慶祝蛇年，舊金山華埠的新年花市將展出一個令人興奮的新委託藝術裝置《Arm Day, Leg Day》，由藝術家梁璧君創作，並由中華文化中心（CCC）呈現。這件大型互動藝術作品邀請訪客與15英尺高的充氣貓互動，這些充滿趣味的裝置對傳統中國的守護與吉祥象徵賦予了全新的詮釋。
中華文化中心（CCC）項目總監朱媛媛表示：“CCC很高興能與舊金山中華總商會合作，在這次全新推出的藝術文化街區首次亮相這個全新的藝術裝置。“
”‘Arm Day, Leg Day’重新詮釋了中國傳統文化中的守護石獅和招財貓，將趣味性與文化意義相結合，“藝術家梁璧君表示，“這件大型藝術作品邀請觀眾撫摸這些貓，並藉此在新年期間獲得’福氣全身保護‘的祝福。”
福 ( "Fu") 是象徵「好運」的中文字符，在農曆新年期間具有重要的文化意義，代表著健康、幸福以及繁榮昌盛的祝福。此外，訪客還受邀參與一個許願牆活動，可以在牆上分享自己的新年願望，並可獲得一份特別的農曆新年贈品。
“我們非常高興邀請藝術家參與此次活動，以全新的、有趣的方式迎接即將到來的農曆新年。我們迫不及待地想和大家一起參與！」朱媛媛說道。
這次藝術快閃項目將於2025年1月25日（星期六）和1月26日（星期日）在舊金山都板街667號（中華文化中心的未來擴建地點）前舉行。藝術街區將包括“Arm Day, Leg Day”以及由美國華人歷史學會推出的另一個藝術裝置。華埠新年花市拉開了為期兩週的農曆新年慶祝活動的序幕，其中包括1月29日的開幕式，並以2月15日的農曆新年大遊行達到高潮。本次藝術快閃項目也恰逢舊金山藝術週，該藝術週將於2025年1月18日至1月26日舉行。
該項目由舊金山中華總商會合作推動，並獲得 Avenue Greenlight 的支持。其他運營支持包括San Francisco Grants for the Arts、舊金山藝術委員會（San Francisco Arts Commission）、加州社會服務部（California Department of Social Services）「停止仇恨」（Stop the Hate）計劃、Crankstart Giving Fund 和 CCC Contemporaries。
欲了解更多關於“Arm Day, Leg Day”及中華文化中心（CCC）的信息，請訪問 https://www.cccsf.us/post/armday-legday-pop-up 或聯繫項目總監朱媛媛 (Yuanyuan Zhu)：yuanyuan@cccsf.us。
關於CCC
1965年成立的中華文化中心（CCC），是一個擁有超過50年歷史的非營利藝術組織。多年來，它一直致力於用藝術帶動華埠，以將其打造成移民經歴的象徵。近年，CCC不斷成長。通過發人深思的跨國藝術展和教育項目，CCC挑戰當下最迫切的複雜議題，用對話連結不同視角，觸發讓社會更平等、更公正的行動。最受矚目的項目包括「華埠歷史和藝術導遊」、「鮮銳 ：藝術家個展系列」、「41 Ross舊呂宋巷藝術家駐地項目」和「華埠鬼節」。