Alongside the summer ancestor festival of Obon, Oshogatsu is one of the most sacred of Japanese animist and magical traditions.  During the Japanese New Year, we welcome Toshigami into our homes.  Traditions vary as to whether Toshigami is the kami of the New Year, grain or our collective ancestors, but the principle remains that we must prepare our homes for their arrival.  In this class, we will cover the history of this sacred holiday and the rituals associated with it, including cleansing and purifying, cord cutting, sacred decor, traditional foods, and the closing of the spiritual container that is held during this time.  This class will include a small tasting of osechi ryori (New Years dishes).  For those especially sensitive, the dishes will be separated to not cross-contaminate allergens.  Allergens: fish, shellfish, soy, kelp, egg, chestnuts, legumes.

IN-PERSON - link to registration

Big Dreams in Denver’s Little Saigon celebrates five decades of resilience, creativity, and community.

Beginning in the 1980s, Southeast and East Asian refugees and immigrants transformed a pocket of Denver into a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and belonging. From bustling markets offering a taste of home to restaurants introducing phở and other beloved dishes to Colorado, the Little Saigon Business District serves a place where traditions thrive, families gather, and new opportunities take root. Festivals, fashion, music, and nightlife keep the district buzzing with energy, making it both a home for the community and a destination for all.

This exhibition, done in partnership with Colorado Asian Pacific United, showcases the experiences and memories that make the neighborhood unique. Visitors can explore the sights, sounds, and smells that define Little Saigon and see how this vibrant community continues to inspire, delight, and bring people together.

Celebrate culture and creativity through artist storytelling and interactive art exhibits, and participate in student-led activities that showcase the vibrancy of our community.

This event is an opportunity to celebrate diverse voices and perspectives and engage with Asian and Asian American experiences through art and storytelling.