Art Talk: Lunar New Year

View examples of the colorful and fascinating traditions and symbolism which enrich the celebration of the Lunar New Year in Asian cultures. Dragons and oranges. Red envelopes and lanterns. Housecleaning and couplets. The new year is a time for thinking about the past, honoring ancestors, and making preparations for a successful year to come. The sign of the Tiger is the third sign of the zodiac and is spontaneous and artistic, wishing to help society achieve a new and unique vision. Images of tigers and dragons are often paired on walls of temples. 

Debbie Ottman has been a long-time member of various Bay Area museums, as well as being a long-term subscriber to the San Francisco Symphony and other cultural performances. In 2011, she joined the San Francisco Asian Art Museum’s (AAM) docent training program and became a docent in 2014.  In addition to being an active docent giving public and school tours, she presents talks to libraries, senior centers and social clubs.  One of her favorite talks is Lunar New Year, which she observes at home. Debbie has been a beekeeper since 2013.  She is also interested in gardening, cooking, reading science news and research, especially in nutrition and medical science.