Community Celebration: Ai Weiwei's Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads
Schedule
Sat May 30 2026 at 10:00 am to 02:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Olympic Sculpture Park | Seattle, WA
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Join us at the Olympic Sculpture Park for a festive opening celebration of Ai Weiwei’s monumental Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads. Spend the day exploring the striking bronze zodiac sculptures and enjoy a lineup of programming, including hands-on art making for all ages, live music from local performers, and a special lecture unpacking the layers of meaning behind this sculpture.As part of Member Month, SAM members get discounts on refreshments and more, all day long!
10 am–2 pm | Zodiac Flash Tattoos
Get your Chinese Zodiac animal tattooed by the artists of Nieu Studio. Tattoos are free and flash is first-come, first-served. Once spots are filled, you can claim a flash tattoo for purchase at Nieu Studio.
Must be 18 years or older with a valid photo ID.
No alcohol or blood thinners, including the night before your tattoo session. These can affect the tattooing process and may prevent you from receiving the service.
Do not use numbing cream. It can temporarily alter your skin texture, affect healed results, and make the skin more difficult to tattoo.
No pets or animals are allowed in the tattoo procedure area.
No minors are permitted.
Please eat a good, hearty meal before your session.
Participating Tattoo Artists
Hep Aom
Jane Kusuma
Jay Han
Miyuki Rutledge
Li PingPing
Wayne
Tian
Zoe Cetinkaya
10–11 am, noon–2 pm | Shelby Natasha Live Concert
Shelby Natasha is a Seattle-based songwriter and music producer known for her unique blend of alt-rnb and Chinese folk music. Influenced by her upbringing between China and the Pacific Northwest, her music features ghost-like vocals performed alongside the traditional Chinese instrument, Guzheng, layered over lo-fi beats.
11–11: 45 am | SAM Talks: Haiyan Lee
Haiyan Lee is the Walter A. Haas Professor of the Humanities and professor of Chinese and comparative literature at Stanford University. She is the author of Revolution of the Heart: A Genealogy of Love in China, 1900-1950 and The Stranger and the Chinese Moral Imagination. Lee will be giving a talk about the historical significance of the zodiac sculptures.
11:45 am–noon | Looking Guide intro
Known for their large-scale, vibrant murals and illustrations, Stevie Shao has created a special Looking Guide specifically for the Ai Weiwei sculptures at the park.
noon–2 pm | Zodiac Keychains
Join artist Monyee Chao in making a shrinky-dink zodiac keychain to take home.
noon–2 pm | Dragon Dance performance
Ever see the Dragons dancing in the Olympic Sculpture Park? Artist Wei Dai brings his dragon dancing alongside our afternoon musical performances.
1–2 pm | Public Tour: Discover the Olympic Sculpture Park
10-2pm | Food and Drinks
Food available for purchase by Schooby Doo Catering.
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Where is it happening?
Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle,WA,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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