Imperial Splendor: East Meets Art Deco Glamour
Asian Arts New York Gala 2026
Where Eastern elegance meets Art Deco glamour.
Join Asian Arts New York for an unforgettable evening celebrating the richness and diversity of Asian visual arts, music, and performing arts, inspired by the timeless sophistication of the Art Deco era.
The evening will begin with an art exhibition, live music by the AANY Eastern Music Ensemble, and a silent auction on the beautiful patio of Glen Sanders Mansion. Guests will then enjoy a delicious fusion meal by Mazzone, accompanied by a carefully curated program of performances celebrating Asian artistic traditions.
Date: October 16, 2026
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: Glen Sanders Mansion
Guest Attire: Asian or Art Deco-inspired attire encouraged
Registration: Now Open
Special Thanks: Sushi Tei & Jade Asian Buffet
NYSCA Artist & Apprentices: The Art of Eastern Heritage
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Maureen Stapleton Theatre, Hudson Valley Community College
Asian Arts New York, in partnership with Hudson Valley Community College, proudly presents NYSCA Artist & Apprentices: The Art of Eastern Heritage, a multidisciplinary cultural program celebrating the preservation and transmission of traditional Asian heritage arts.
Presented as part of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, this special event highlights the vital relationship between master artists and apprentices as they sustain living cultural traditions through mentorship, practice, and performance.
Through live demonstrations, performances, artist talks, and audience engagement, audiences will experience how heritage arts are passed from one generation to the next.
Featured Master Artists and Apprentices
Indian Bharatanatyam Dance
Master Artist: Mathangi Srinivasan
Apprentice: Chinmayi Sri Maddali
Tai Chi Fan
Master Artist: Sandra Balint
Apprentice: Wei Qin
Chinese Water Sleeve Dance
Master Artist: Liying Ye
Apprentice: Angelica Cooney
Guqin Music
Master Artist: Wenrui Shi
Apprentice: Mingtong Xu
These featured traditions represent a rich spectrum of Asian heritage arts, including classical dance, meditative movement, traditional music, and storytelling through performance.
Join us in celebrating cultural preservation, creativity, and the enduring power of mentorship.
Acknowledgments: Asian Arts New York programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
The participating artists and apprentices are supported through the NYSCA Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. With the help of New York Folklore.
Young Generation & Heritage Art Panel & Showcase
Young Voices, Timeless Traditions
Date: June 13, 2026
Location: Albany Center Gallery
On June 13, 2026, young heritage artists from New York's Capital Region and beyond gathered at Albany Center Gallery for the Young Generation & Heritage Art Event, presented alongside the AANHPI exhibition threads: weaving an intricate banner.
Initiated and organized by Asian Arts New York (AANY), the event celebrated youth creativity, cultural identity, and heritage arts through performances and intergenerational dialogue.
Featuring traditions such as Indian raga, Bharatanatyam dance, Peking Opera, Lion Dance, Dragon Dance, Guqin, and East Meets West fusion music, these talented young artists shared their cultures with confidence, creativity, and pride.
Event Planning Committee:
Wei Qin, Dr. Sridar Chittur, Hassan Elminyawi, and Nony Melia
Judging Committee:
Sandra Balint, Milim Parker, Veena Chandra, and Dr. Sridar Chittur
Adult Panelists:
Veena Chandra, Bhawin Suchak, Anne Rappaport Berliner, and Kim-Trang Blair
Featured Young Heritage Artists:
Avni Grover (Indian raga and harmonium), Terrance Xu (Peking Opera), Evan Blair, Owen Blair, and Emerson Blair (Lion Dance), Alexander Cooney (Peking Opera), Angelica Cooney (Water Sleeve Dance), Steve Liu (Dragon Dance), Avani Shandilya (Bharatanatyam dance), Karen Jia (East Meets West piano), Roshini Ravi (Indian dance), Mingtong Xu (Guqin), and Siwen Concetta Hodgkin (Dragon Dance).
Acknowledgments: Asian Arts New York programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, with support from New York Folklore.
This programming was also supported by the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF).
Special Thanks to AANY Sponsors: Sushi Tei, Jade Asian Buffet
May 2026: AAPI Heritage Month Programming
Presented by Asian Arts New York
Asian Arts New York partnered with organizations across the Capital Region to launch a large-scale, multi-event festival during AAPI Heritage Month, serving more than 2,000 attendees through visual arts, music, dance, wellness, and cultural programming.
May 1 – June 13, 2026: threads: weaving an intricate banner AANHPI Art Exhibition
A curated exhibition celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) visual artists across disciplines, presented by Albany Center Gallery in partnership with Asian Arts New York (AANY) and AAPI Heritage Month 518.
May Event Schedule
May 1, 2026 – threads Opening Reception: Asian Dances in Motion
Featured AANY dancers: Milim Parker, Amy Zeng, Sandra Balint, Chinmayi Sri Maddali, and Nila Krishnakumar.
May 3, 2026 – Echoes Across Time
Library Concert at Guilderland Public Library
AANY Eastern Music Ensemble: Renjie Song, Xiaoan Dong, Jiangnan Liu, Elvina Liu, Daisy JungTzu Lin. Guest musicians: Daniel Walayat and Joshua John.
May 3, 2026 – The History of Tai Chi
Albany History Fair
Presented by AANY Tai Chi Master Sandra Balint.
May 8, 2026 – Sound of Asia
Performance at the Governor's AAPI Reception
Featuring AANY musicians Veena and Devesh Chandra.
May 22, 2026 – Improvisation Music & Art: What Blooms at Midnight
Albany Center Gallery
Featuring AANY artists Kim Tateo, Brandon Tateo, and Nicole Romanelli.
May 24, 2026 – Tea with Art
THINGS! Global Experiences Art Gallery & Gift Boutique
Presented by AANY President and artist Wei Qin.
May 26, 2026 – Tai Chi and Mental Wellness
Regeneron
Presented by AANY Tai Chi Master Sandra Balint.
May 27, 2026 – AANHPI Cultural Festival
Empire State Plaza, in partnership with the Office of General Services (OGS)
AANY Eastern Music Ensemble: Renjie Song, Xiaoan Dong, Elvina Liu, Daisy JungTzu Lin, and Thomas Torrisi. Guest musicians: Daniel Walayat and Joshua John.
Special thanks to participating artists, including Kibria Kazi, Ottavia Huang, Kim Tateo, and all participating AAPI vendors.
May 30, 2026 – TroyAsia
In partnership with Sunhee's Farm & Kitchen, 518sians, and the City of Troy
Featured AANY performers: The Spirited Lions, Amy Zeng, Milim Parker, Scott Bogardus, and Weiwei Zhang.
Acknowledgments
Asian Arts New York programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, with support from New York Folklore.
This programming was also supported by the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF).
Special Thanks to AANY Sponsors: Sushi Tei, Jade Asian Buffet
A Music Dialogue: Bamboo Meets Brass on the Silk Road Presented by Asian Arts New York
Presented by Asian Arts New York
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: The Egg — Swyer Theatre, Empire State Plaza
This one-of-a-kind concert is a true musical dialogue between East and West. Along the historic Silk Road, Chinese music blended with Central Asian and Middle Eastern elements—including Persian, Arab, and Indian influences—forming new genres and introducing improvisation as a powerful mode of musical dialogue. Even Country music lovers will also be delighted to hear timeless classics through live improvisation with Eastern folk musicians.
Master Asian musicians from diverse traditions—including bamboo flute artist Yimin Miao, pipa musician Zhou Yi, guqin musician Wenrui Shi, sitar artist Veena Chandra, tabla musician Devesh Chandra—and local musicians including Renjie Song on Xiao, Xiaoan Dong on Di, Jiangnan Liu on Pipa—join Western musicians: Elvina Liu on violin, Daisy JungTzu Lin and Hayarpi Dayian on piano, Thomas Torrisi on guitar, Willow Melton on darbuka drum, Scott Hopkins on banjo, Sara Milonovich on fiddle, in an exciting cross-cultural exchange.
Asian Arts New York's Program's are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Enquiries: ed@asianartsny.org
2026 Lunar New Year Events
Presented by Asian Arts New York
Asian Arts New York is partnering with libraries, schools, and community organizations across the region to bring Lunar New Year programming directly into communities. Schools, libraries, corporations, and offices are invited to request program proposals by contacting ed@asianartsny.org.
In 2026, audiences are invited to experience The Essence of Lunar New Year — a celebration filled with cultural richness, traditional craftsmanship, and authentic music and dance representing diverse regions of Asia. These programs highlight heritage while embracing creativity, unity, and renewal.
Asian Arts New York’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Public Events
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Colonie Library — Color of Spring: The Essence of Lunar New Year
January 17, 2026 -
Office of General Services Lunar New Year Celebration
February 18, 2026 -
Troy Public Library — Color of Spring: The Essence of Lunar New Year
February 28, 2026
School Assemblies and Educational Programs:
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North Albany Middle School — Introduction to Lunar New Year
January 19, 2026 -
Guilderland Middle School — Introduction to Lunar New Year
February 11, 2026 -
Schenectady High School (Big Picture Learning Schenectady) — Introduction to Lunar New Year
February 13, 2026 -
Albany JCC Lunar New Year Camp
February 17, 2026 -
Menands School (K–8) — Introduction to Lunar New Year
February 23, 2026 -
Eagle Point Elementary — Introduction to Lunar New Year
February 25, 2026
The Art of Asia – Tradition Meets Today
Asian Arts New York – First Fundraising Event
The Art of Asia – Tradition Meets Today
Asian Arts New York – First Fundraising Event
Location: Armory Studios NY (125 Washington Ave, Schenectady 12305)
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 5–8pm
Featured Artists
Meet the talented visual artists, musicians, dancers, and Tai Chi performers who bring this multicultural celebration to life.
Visual Artists:
Hongnian Zhang, Anping Liu, Jianling Yue, Kim Tateo, Mengde Shi, Richard Wang,
Xiaoping Liu, Jianling Yue, Zhuying Li, Toyomi Sobue, Kaarina McKenzie, Lois Woodley
Musicians:
Veena Chandra, Devesh Chandra, Xiaoan Dong, Jiangnan Liu, Renjie Song, Wenrui Shi
Dancers / Peking Opera Performers:
Amy Zeng, Kayla Xu, Milim Parker, Angelica Cooney, Alexander Cooney, Terrence Xu
Tai Chi:
Sandra Balint
Event recap
Delicious food, authentic performances, and a vibrant community came together for “The Art Asia: Tradition Meets Today,” our very first fundraising event. We are deeply grateful to our food donors, performers, artists, and all the friends, families, community leaders, school and library leaders and elected officials who made the evening unforgettable.
Special thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul for her heartwarming letter; Assemblywoman Gabriella Romeo for the Letter of Citation. We also thank our partners at Armory Studios NY and Art Night Schenectady, as well as our dedicated team and volunteers, for bringing this special event to life.
Enquiries: ed@asianartsny.org
Journey of Love and Hope — A Peking Opera Musical
Producer: Wei Qin
Director: Linghui Tu
Leading Male (Entrepreneur): Franco Spoto
Leading Female (Katherine): Angelica Cooney
Vendor: Raymond Ma
Musician: Renjie Song, Lian Milanao, Thomas Carlo Bo
Vocalist: Qingxiu Luo
Tibetan Dancers: Amy Zeng, Li Huang, Xuehan Liu, Li Xiang
Experience a sweeping tale of compassion, love, and hope as celebrated director Linghui Tu reimagines the timeless melodies of Peking Opera. Set against the contrasting landscapes of modern America and Tibet, this original and deeply moving production blends English dialogue, Peking Opera–style singing, live music, and Tibetan mantras to create a truly memorable performance — one that celebrates the universal power of courage, generosity, and hope.
Time: Saturday, November 29th, 5:30–7:00 PM
Location: The Arts Center of the Capital Region
This project is made possible in part by The Arts Center of the Capital Region through the Arts Thrive & Grow grant. Arts Thrive & Grow is funded by New York State & the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, and local elected officials, including Senators Jake Ashby and Patricia Fahy and Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.
But our journey has only just begun. To bring this inspiring story fully to life — supporting our talented performers, musicians, costume designers, and stage creators — we need to raise an additional $5,500.
Your support, even as small as $10, can make a meaningful difference.
Your contribution will help us:
• Support professional artists and musicians
• Create authentic costumes and stage designs
• Share the beauty and depth of Asian performing arts with audiences across our community
Support the project here:
Donate
Enquiries: ed@asianartsny.org
Asian Arts New York Concert Series
Tuvergen Duo – Journey from Mongolian Steppe to Modern Stage
Date: September 25, 2025
Location: The Arts Center of the Capital Region – Black Box Theatre
Traditional Mongolian music, throat singing, and an interactive workshop experience.
2025 New York State Fair
Date: August 23, 2025
Location: Syracuse, New York
This recap showcases Asian Arts New York artists, led by President Wei Qin, bringing an authentic, high-energy performance to the New York State Fair’s Asian Village.
Tea Ceremony with Singles Outreach
Date: May 23, 2025
Members of Singles Outreach recently enjoyed a rare cultural experience—an authentic Chinese Tea Ceremony presented by an artist from Asian Arts New York. The event offered participants not only the chance to taste carefully prepared teas but also to witness the artistry, mindfulness, and tradition behind this centuries-old practice.
Governor’s Reception
Date: May 30, 2025
Location: Governor’s Mansion, Albany
Asian Arts New York President Wei Qin, along with a group of featured musicians, was honored to perform at Governor Kathy Hochul’s AAPI Reception at the Governor’s Mansion. The evening highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Asian communities across New York, with music and performance that celebrated both tradition and contemporary creativity. Asian Arts New York was proud to represent the Capital Region’s artistic voices at this statewide gathering.
TroyAsia Night Market
Date: May 30, 2025
Location: Downtown Troy
A lively outdoor celebration of Asian arts, food, and culture with community partners.
RISSE Immigration Event
Date: June 1, 2025
Location: Albany
Community gathering featuring music, art demos, and family activities.