Journey Through Asia

A five-month celebration of the diversity of Asian cultures, languages and people is underway at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library. Called Journey Through Asia, it includes paperfolding, folk dance, ceramics, calligraphy, puppetry, carving and music. For a complete schedule, check the calendar on the library's website.

For example, at 2 p.m. Saturday (20 March) in the Haughville branch, there'll be a class on carving mythical Burmese birds just for teens. For this event, call 317:275-4420.

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International Business Owners to Visit Bloomington

The Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership, a program of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, will host seven international business owners, reports Inside INdiana Business (although no dates for the visit have been announced).

The group will learn about the city's growing presence as a life sciences hub, participate in a brief tour and visit local life sciences organizations. Representatives include a provincial governor, business owners and agency directors from Angola, Egypt, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal and Serbia.

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Asian Festival at Valpo on 4 April

Asian culture will be celebrated during an event organized by Valparaiso University students featuring the diverse food, music, languages and culture of the world's largest continent.

“Taste of Asia,” sponsored by Valpo's Asian American Association, will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 4 April in Harre Union on the campus in Valparaiso. The event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $2 at Harre Union Welcome Desk.

Samples of food from the Middle East, India, China and Mongolia will be served periodically throughout the event, and students will perform songs from India and the Philippines, a Middle Eastern scarf dance and a skit about Saudi Arabia.

Several interactive activities also will be available, including henna body art and a booth where people can have their name written in different languages, including Arabic and Hindi.

For more information, send an e-mail to Jessiemarie White, or call the Harre Union Welcome Desk at 219:464-5415.

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Asian Festival Scheduled for 10 May

The Asian American Alliance, Inc., and Indy's Garfield Park will host the first-ever Asian Festival on 10 May. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can sample food and buy merchandise from vendors from all over Asia – China, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand, India and Indonesia – all under one roof in Garfield Park.

Artwork of Asian artists in Indianapolis will also be on display at the Garfield Arts Center. Plus, cultural entertainment and activities will be offered throughout the day. Admission is free.

The festival is held in conjunction with the Asian Pacific-American Heritage Month, the month of May, as designated by the United States Congress.