The folks arts and crafts demonstrations, located near the Martial Arts area, is brought to us by the Asian American Arts Centre and the China Arts Council.

Asian American Arts Centre
brings cultural events in the visual, performing and traditional arts to general and diverse audiences and their communities. Founded in 1974, the Arts Centre has evolved to see the arts in their spiritual relationship to communities. This perspective has brought emphasis to the educational presentations for schools and group tours of exhibitions that are offered. It underlies the community art classes, Tai Chi workshops and more. For more information, please call 212-233-2154.

THE CHINA ARTS COUNCIL
Founded in 1994, the China Arts Council exists to preserve traditional Chinese Art forms by teaching these arts to students in traditional apprenticeship programs. Spread out over six tables, traditional arts and crafts, as well as Chinese snacks and beverages will be available. Be sure to put your name on the list for classes in: Chinese Cooking, Kung Fu, Chi Gung, Calligraphy, Brushpainting and more. 212 577-2633

Kwok Kay Choey
Er Hu Musician
Kwok Kay Choey was born in Singapore and learned to play the Er Hu as a teenager with Wu Gong-xi. Since 1964, he has been a resident member of the New York Chinese Music Ensemble and has performed in its bi-annual season each year in New York City as well as performing in the tri-state area. The Er Hu, a two string musical instrument was introduced into China from Central Asia through Mongolia during the Yuan Dynasty around the 12th Century. Since then, it has become one of the most widely played instruments, particularly to accompany singing in operas and story telling.

Zhou Xiu Fen
Traditional Crafts from China
Paper cuts, silk scarfs, kites and other treasures direct from China.

Eng Seurn Gwoo
Fortune Telling Oracle
Destiny, Fate, and Karma have been central to the lives of Chinese everywhere. The understanding of who we are, where we are going, and the purpose of our lives, enable us to make informed choices that will help enable us to lead fulfilling, productive, and rewarding lives. Master Eng Seurn Gwoo will use your face and palms to help you understand your Fate and Destiny.

SHAO HWA U & MAY FUN SHU
Straw Animal Artists
Shao has been practicing animal making with straw and leaves since he was a boy when he learned to make snakes and frogs from his father. He traveled to Shanghai, Kungzhou, Chungsha and Hunan observing many masters’ work, specifically masters Ms. Ya from Shanghai, Mr. Chang from Hunan and Mr. Hwan from Hubei. He began folk art as a profession when he was 20 years old. Currently, he and his wife display their work on Canal St., in Soho and Times Square. May Fun Shu, his wife, has been practicing this art for five years.

In Pursuit of Tea
Cha Tao
Kung Fu Cha High Skill Tea will be demonstrated by students of the China Arts Council Tea Society. Very fine teas and tea paraphernalia will be available for purchase.

Tae-Jin Kim
Origami
The Art of Paper Folding of Korea Tae-Jin Kim decided to learn paper folding when she saw how beautiful it was to make flowers of paper three years ago. She studied with the master Ok-ki Kim, well as taking other private lessons and courses. She folds paper to entertain and give them to friend as presents so that they can enjoy the beauty of paper folding. Since coming to the United States three years ago, her wish has been to demonstrate this art form so that many people can enjoy its beauty as she does.

Ken Lo SHING GWEI
Brush Paintings
Sifu Ken Lo Shing Gwei, the Director of the China Arts Council will display and sell his original small works of Traditional Chinese Brush Paintings, and Calligraphies. Sifu Lo specializes in the Chuan Shu form of Seal Calligraphy of the Shang-Yin period (1700-1200BCE). You may also obtain information about China Arts Council Classes in Chinese Cooking, Calligraphy or Wu Mei Kung Fu, and Chi Gung, taught by Sifu Lo Shing Gwei.

NAYO TAKASAKI
Kimono Clothing
Ms. Nayo Takasaki learned about Kimono as a child from her mother, a life-long teacher of Japanese Tea ceremony and flower arrangement. She learned how to wear, sit, stand up, walk, and even eat as well as other movements in a Kimono. She learned the make-up and hair dressing that is a part of this tradition. Now, she loves to help people dress and wear Kimono. Nayo thanks the NY Japanese Swordsmanship Society for lending the sword and the Hakama, and her family in helping with this demonstration.

BUONG TRUNG
Fortune Teller
Mr. Buong Trung learned his trade from the elders of his family in Vietnam. He practices not only fortune telling but also the art of Feng Shui. Because of the occult nature of fortune telling, it is not a traditional practice to disclose the story of his personal and artistic development to the public. This practice, dating back to ancient times, is based on the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth, as well as the eight trigrams of the Book of Change. The art of fortune telling is a metaphysical art with mythical and magical character.

KAVITA VYAS
Mehandi Artist
Ms. Kavita Vyas has been practicing this art form for nine years. She learned Mehandi form from the master Mrs. Saroj Oza, who created the cone method. She taught Mehandi in India before coming to New York in 1996 for a special operation due to her polio condition. Kavita and her Mehandi art were covered on the 10 O’clock News on Channel 11 in 1996. Kavita also does fabric painting, clay pot painting and cosmetics for brides.

CUISINE OF CHINA
Chinese Food
A little bit of Chinatown has been brought to the Festival. Wonderful, delicious, Chinese food direct from Manhattan’s Chinatown has been selected to suit all tastes from gourmet to vegetarian. Roast pork buns, dumplings, pastries, both sweet and savory will be available for sale all day long. Freshly made soy milk, cold teas and Spring water will be available for your enjoyment.