This content was published: February 12, 2007. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Southeast Center welcomes Year of the Pig
Photos and story by James Hill
One of the largest events of the year at the Southeast Center is set to begin. From lion dancing to Chinese brush painting, the pig will get a big welcome.
The college is celebrating the Year of the Pig with music, entertainment, food, vendors, door prizes, and much more at this year’s Asian New Year Celebration. The Southeast Center, located at 2305 S.E. 82nd Ave., will host the celebration at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19 in the center’s Great Hall. The event is free and open to the public. Children are welcome. Food is $1 and parking is free.
“Visitors are encouraged to walk the perimeter of the Great Hall and not only watch demonstrations of Chinese brush painting, but participate in paper cut artistry, Chinese knot tying, and how to perfect the use of chopsticks,” said Sue Riches, ASPCC representative for the Southeast Center. “This event shows the Extended Learning Campus and SE Center at its best as numerous nationalities come together to celebrate the new year and the uniqueness of each Asian culture.”
The Asian New Year Celebration will feature a lion dance, Chinese dances, martial arts, and an Asian dance by staff. Also, there will be various tables showcasing Asian art products for sale and the PCC Dragon Boat Team will be signing up recruits. Craig Kolins, PCC’s Extended Learning Campus Dean of Instruction and Student Services, will provide welcoming remarks.
Chinese brush painting
“There is such excitement in the air as the lion dancers wind their way through the audience of three hundred people while various performers line-up to demonstrate their skill in martial arts or practice the ancient art of tai chi,” said Riches. “One can see proud parents beaming, as the crowd leans forward to take pictures of the school-aged children dancing and singing in their native costumes.”
The event always features something new versus years past. This year will be no exception as PCC staff will have a special treat again.
“Southeast Center staff members always have a surprise for the audience and this year their performance will be a special umbrella dance,” Riches added.
For more information, call 503-788-6262.
Related Pages:
Multicultural Center, PCC Dragon Boat Team, the Zen Dragons, Asian Studies
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »