Nelson-Atkins welcomes Chinese New Year in celebration

Happy New Year, and welcome to the year 4707 on the Chinese lunar calendar.

While most Kansas City residents were celebrating over a month ago, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art ushered in the year of the Ox in proper Chinese fashion.

Nelson sold every seat to all events in the festival for yet another year of celebrations, with many different activities to fill the evening.

The Rozzelle Court restaurant was set for the occasion, draped in the 12 banners of the Chinese zodiac and adorned with red Chinese lamps.

Not only was the appearance changed, but the tastes as well. Bo-Ling's restaurant provided authentic Chinese food for the occasion.

Despite festive decorations and cultural food, most people came to see the art.

Everywhere you went you could hear sounds of the season, from the calming Kansas City Chinese Music Ensemble to the vivacious drums that accompany the Shaolin Pai Lion Dance Troupe as they spin and wind through ground-based acrobatics in vibrant costumes.

Calligraphy and knot tying seminars continued throughout the night, while in another gallery a painter worked alone, for all to see, by the feet of a smiling deity.

Docents stood ready to answer any question.

Fashions from many ages of Chinese history paraded across the Atkins Auditorium, with an appeal so strong that the event must be shown twice.

It's easy to see why this event has such a pull each year, with so much going on that just to see it all you almost have to pick and choose. It truly has something for everyone, and the Nelson shines with its spirit of cultural learning. This is especially true for the young ones, with the entire Ford wing dedicated to children's activities to entertain and educate.

Overall, the festival has been a fascinating event, and if you happened to miss it, be sure to remember the Nelson's Chinese New Year celebrations next year - for the year of the Tiger.

clynch@unews.com