The Rubin Museum’s annual block party goes virtual this year
Who: Tsherin Sherpa, Sneha Shrestha, Tenzin Phuntsog, Yakpo Collective, Uttam Grandhi, YindaYin Coaching, Day Schildkret, Kate Johnson, Brooklyn Raga Massive, Ajna Dance, Samira Sadeque and the Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, more
What: Virtual block party
Where: Rubin Museum online
When: Sunday, September 20, free, noon (available through Setpember 27)
Why: The Rubin Museum chose quite a year to explore the concept of impermanence as the country goes through the Covid-19 crisis, massive wildfires, protests over police brutality, and the loss of too many cultural and political icons. The Rubin, which specializes in the art and culture of the Himalayan regions, is open, but its annual block party is being held online, taking place September 20 beginning at noon, with all events free. The symbol for the 2020 festival is the lotus, which represents purity, fortune, prosperity, rebirth, and spiritual enlightenment, things we can all use these days. The afternoon will feature studio visits with Tsherin Sherpa, Sneha Srethsa, Tenzin Phuntzog, Yakpo Collective, and Uttam Grandhi; mindfulness practices with Kate Johnson, Reimagine, Day Schildkret, and New York Yoga + Life magazine; art-making with YindaYin Coaching; interactive classes with Brooklyn Raga Massive and Ajna Dance; activism and advocacy with India Home; and performances by Sonam Kids and the Asian American Writers’ Workshop. You can also visit the beautiful institution with timed tickets; the current exhibitions include “Masterworks of Himalayan Art,” “The Lotus Effect: A Participatory Installation for Times of Transformation,” “Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power,” “Measure Your Existence,” “Charged with Buddha’s Blessings: Relics from an Ancient Stupa,” and “Gateway to Himalayan Art.”