Join us at the Olympic Sculpture Park for a festive opening celebration of Ai Weiwei’s monumental Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads. Spend the day exploring the striking bronze zodiac sculptures and enjoy a lineup of programming, including hands-on art making for all ages, live music from local performers, and a special lecture unpacking the layers of meaning behind this sculpture.
As part of Member Month, SAM members get discounts on refreshments and more, all day long!
10 am–2 pm | Zodiac Flash Tattoos
Get your Chinese Zodiac animal tattooed by the artists of Nieu Studio. Tattoos are free and flash is first-come, first-served. Once spots are filled, you can claim a flash tattoo for purchase at Nieu Studio. Participants must be 18+ and bring their ID. Tattoos will only be available on arms and legs.
10–11 am, noon–2 pm | Shelby Natasha Live Concert
Shelby Natasha is a Seattle-based songwriter and music producer known for her unique blend of alt-rnb and Chinese folk music. Influenced by her upbringing between China and the Pacific Northwest, her music features ghost-like vocals performed alongside the traditional Chinese instrument, Guzheng, layered over lo-fi beats.
11–11: 45 am | SAM Talks: Haiyan Lee
Haiyan Lee is the Walter A. Haas Professor of the Humanities and professor of Chinese and comparative literature at Stanford University. She is the author of Revolution of the Heart: A Genealogy of Love in China, 1900-1950 and The Stranger and the Chinese Moral Imagination. Lee will be giving a talk about the historical significance of the zodiac sculptures.
11:45 am–noon | Looking Guide intro
Known for their large-scale, vibrant murals and illustrations, Stevie Shao has created a special Looking Guide specifically for the Ai Weiwei sculptures at the park.
noon–2 pm | Zodiac Keychains
Join artist Monyee Chao in making a shrinky-dink zodiac keychain to take home.
noon–2 pm | Dragon Dance performance
Ever see the Dragons dancing in the Olympic Sculpture Park? Artist Wei Dai brings his dragon dancing alongside our afternoon musical performances.
1–2 pm | Public Tour: Discover the Olympic Sculpture Park