EAST ASIAN FESTIVAL
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For Youth Art Month 2006 and as a culmination activity for our year long studies we held a two-day festival celebrating China, Japan, and Korea at the Wallace Center. I worked in conjunction with Tammie Jacob, the art teacher of Somerville Road, West Decatur, and Walter Jackson elementary schools, to line up presenters, write grants, and schedule events for our two thousand students, teachers and parents over those two days. ************** We were very grateful to the following groups who made our festival possible: Alabama State Council on the Arts Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC Alabama Humanities Foundation Birmingham International Festival Compass Bank |
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The day began with buses delivering the visiting schools to the Wallace Center. Once the horn sounded the students began their culturally filled day, rotating every 20 minutes to eight different stations before the finale of Taiko drumming for the entire group.
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Some students came dressed for the occasion.
Dr. Sittason sat among the finale throng of students on Wednesday's performance. |
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The University of Alabama Taiko , Nozomi Daiko, shared a variety of Japanese drums, their cultural significance, and hands-on drumming techniques.
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Hands-on learning by students helped enrich their experience. |
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Michelle Slagle came from Bessemer to share her knowledge and collection of Japanese Kimonos. She shared their rich design and history as well as the special occasions on which they were worn.
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Shaun Donahoo, owner of Forever Flying in Decatur, shared a variety of Asian kites. He spoke of their history, beauty, and most importantly their flight with the students.
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Jamie Webster, of Webster's Karate in Decatur, presented the Korean style of martial arts, Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan. He and several of his students demonstrated a variety of self-defense techniques and feats of strength and acrobatics.
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Ron Roebel, a history professor at The University of Alabama, entertained the festival goers with his vast knowledge and experience with calligraphy, the spoken language, and folklore from all three cultures.
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The Dragon Races, as part of the Japanese Sports Day tradition, were a big hit! Many thanks to Coach Albert, Mrs. Byrd, & Coach Quarles for the design of these very special events. |
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Tammie Jacob, my cohort in cultural collaboration, in her Indy 500 Club Car, takes a breather inbetween sessions. |
Lunch for the presenters. |
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Many thanks again to all the businesses, volunteers, parents and teachers who helped make these two days such a success!
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Click Mona to return to the Youth Art Month page.
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