The Michigan Taiwanese American Organization’s (MiTAI’s) amazing Tzywen Gong has once again brought an incredible cultural gift to our community. She and the folks at MiTAI have arranged for a team of renowned Taiwanese artisans to come to Michigan to share and teach traditional Taiwanese art forms. Many of these art forms are not commonly seen in Taiwan anymore, let alone America. Many of these artisans are starting to get a little bit older, too. The Taiwanese American community is really excited to meet and learn from these artisans. What a great opportunity for all of us in the community to join. Hands-on activities available for children and adults. A rare opportunity not to be missed. From MiTAI.org:

"Taiwanese American Heritage Week Cultural Fair Friday, May 7th, 6:00-8:30pm @ Duderstadt Center Connector (hall way between Pierpont Commons and Duderstadt Media Center), the University of Michigan North Campus. Saturday, May 8th, @ Sheraton Hotel, 21111 Haggerty Road, Novi. FREE. Donations welcome to help cover the material fees.

In celebration of Taiwanese American Heritage Week, Michigan Taiwanese American Organization invites all to join the unique opportunity to see cultural presentations by renowned Taiwanese artisans in: * Lion Head (used in Lion Dance) Painting * Hand Puppetry * Dough Figuring Sculpture * Candy Blowing/Sculpture * Gourd Carving * Paper Umbrella Painting * Sculpture using tree bark, leaves, and other natural materials.. * Silhouette paper cutting"

In addition, students from the Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan will be teaching Chinese Lion Dancing and Chinese Yo-Yo out on the lawn, weather permitting.

May 7th event is cosponsored by: Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan, University of Michigan Center for Chinese Studies, Michigan Taiwanese American Organization, Michigan Taiwanese Student Association, Taiwan Student Association at The University of Michigan, Taiwanese American Student Association at Michigan, University of Michigan Work/Life Resources Center

May 8th event is cosponsored by: Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan, Michigan Chinese Academic Professional Association, Michigan Chinese Educator Association, Michigan Chinese School, Michigan Chinese Women Association, Michigan National Cheng-Kung University Alumni Association, Michigan Taiwanese American Organization, Southern Michigan Chinese School

MiTAI is a registered not-for-profit organization founded in 2002 to promote cultural exchange between Michigan residents and Taiwanese Americans in Michigan.

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang is a second-generation Chinese American from California who now divides her time between Ann Arbor and the Big Island of Hawaii. She is editor of IMDiversity.com Asian American Village, lead multicultural contributor for AnnArbor.com, and a contributor for New America Media's Ethnoblog. She is a popular speaker on Asian Pacific American and multicultural issues. Check out her website at franceskaihwawang.com, her blog at franceskaihwawang.blogspot.com, and she can be reached at fkwang888@gmail.com.