The Year of the Monkey was rung in with excitement at the New Utrecht branch of the Brooklyn Public Library as the community joined up for a day of crafts, music, and art.
On February 6, the library, located at 1743 86th street, hosted its second annual Lunar New Year celebration in two parts. All residents of Bensonhurst were invited to enjoy authentic Chinese folk art, and music from 11–12:30 p.m. and then from 1-3 p.m. .
Just as last year, the YZY Chorus, a Queens-based amateur group, performed and there was a rendition of the classic Lion Dance. In addition, kids were invited to learn how to create an origami monkey.
According to Tambe-Tysha John, “This year went very well and had upwards of 250 people attending,”
This year, Lu Jun, vice secretary general from the Chinese Consulate, and representatives of the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association attended. Alongside them were five folk artists from China who demonstrated traditional Chinese folk art and participated in an extremely successful Q & A, that gave people the opportunity to learn more about the artists and their work.
The New Utrecht Public Library intends to continue with the celebration next year and invites all to take part. In the meantime, John encourages residents to go on the BPL website, Bklynlibrary.org, and see what other activities the library will be holding in the future.
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