The Galt Museum explores China with a new exhibit opening today, Jan. 31.
“It’s a combination of a traveling exhibit from the Royal Ontario Museum and a few objects from our own Galt Museum collection,” said curator Wendy Aitkens of the exhibit  Arts of China.

 The exhibit  features intricately carved furniture from the Galt Museum collection and bronze, jade and ceramics which date back to 11,000 B.C..
The Galt Museum opened the new exhibit just in time to celebrate the Chinese new year, the Year of the horse, Jan. 31.

While Arts of China is open to the public today, the official opening is Feb. 9 from 2-3 p.m. when the Galt Museum welcomes special guest Lisa Claypool, University of Alberta associate professor of history, art, design and visual culture. She will discuss the meaning of jades, bronzes and porcelain in the culture of the Quing Dynasty (1644-1911), the last dynasty in China.

 She will talk about what the artifacts meant to the Chinese way of life, Chinese world attitudes and Chinese beliefs.
The exhibit includes several interactive components.

 There is a quiz people can take to test their knowledge of Chinese history, art and techniques and which even pertain to  the Chinese restaurant exhibit in the permanent gallery.

 There is a also sketch paper and Chinese style pens for people to copy some of the designs which appeal to them.
 And they can even dip a pen on water and  write their favourite designs on a stone  placed next to the exit of the gallery. People cause it is water, it will evaporate in short time.
 Arts of China runs at the Galt Museum  Feb. 9-May 19.