DALLAS, Jan. 11, 2007 — In celebration of the ancient tradition of Chinese New Year, The Crow Collection of Asian Art, in partnership with the Association of Chinese Professionals of Dallas - Fort Worth, is hosting a free New Year Celebration. On Saturday, February 17, families and friends are invited to come and ring-in 2007, the Year of the Pig.

The celebration will include martial arts demonstrations, Chinese game competitions, art activities, Chinese calligraphy and live music. One of the most spectacular sights of the festival is the traditional dragon parade and lion dance. The heads of the fearsome beasts ward off evil, while the nimble movements of the dancers create a delightful performance.

The Chinese New Year is the most significant holiday for Chinese culture. The New Year begins with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The celebration is jubilant and lively with the intention of taking a break from work and enjoying time with friends and family. The holiday can be traced back thousands of years through an evolving series of colorful legends and traditions.

“The Chinese New Year festival is becoming a welcomed tradition in the Dallas Arts District. Last year we received unprecedented crowds as families and friends gathered to enjoy the festivities. It was delightful to watch the dragon parade and lion dance move its way down Flora Street. My staff and I are thrilled to welcome back the energy sparked by this community celebration,” said Amy Hofland, director of The Crow Collection of Asian Art.
 
The Chinese New Year festival will run from noon – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007. Flora Street will be closed between Harwood and Olive Streets. The dragon parade and lion dance will begin at 4 p.m. on Flora. For additional information please visit www.crowcollection.org or call 214-271-4480.

The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art contains more than 600 paintings, objects of metal and stone, and large architectural pieces from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Over 300 works are on display in the galleries including precious jade ornaments from China, delicate Japanese scrolls and a rarely seen 28-foot by 12-foot sandstone facade of an 18th century Indian residence.

                                                          Images available upon request
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