‘Seeking Immortality’ Events

Various events are planned in conjunction with the “Seeking Immortality” exhibition at Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana. Information for all activities, except as indicated, is available at (714) 567-3680:

* Saturday, 6 p.m.: “La Fiesta,” a dinner, Chinese lantern auction and preview opening of “Seeking Immortality” celebrating Bowers’ 60th anniversary. $175. (714) 567-3638.

* Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: artist reception for Gao Xiao-Hua, whose paintings of China’s ethnic minorities will be displayed in Topaz Cafe through Dec. 30. Free. (714) 567-3643.

* Oct. 19, 2 p.m.: Lecture on “Chinese Opera Watercolor Painting” by Taiwanese artist Lan Wang. Free. (714) 567-3643.

* Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.: Film “Canal Boat to History” looks at communication in light of China’s vast size and diversity. Free with museum admission. Hosted by art historian Edmund Capon.

* Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Film “China and the World” looks at its erratic contacts with other cultures and artistic traditions. Free with museum admission. Hosted by Capon.

* Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Docent tour of “Seeking Immortality” exhibition. Free with museum admission.

* Nov. 15-17: Weekend in San Francisco. “Seeking Immortality” curator Janet Baker leads a tour of “Splendors of Imperial China: Treasures From the National Palace Museum, Taipei” exhibition at Asian Art Museum. Includes symposium Saturday and visits to Asian art dealers Sunday. $750 per person includes air fare and hotel.

* Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Film “The Chinese Identity” examines symbols and spirit of Chinese art. Free with museum admission. Hosted by Capon.

* Nov. 24, 2 p.m.: Lecture on “Seeking Immortality” exhibition by Baker. Museum members $5, nonmembers $7.50. No reservations.

* Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.: Film “The Forbidden City” examines the heart of Beijing, the seat of power for the Dragon Emperors for 500 years. Free with museum admission.

* Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m.: Film “Glories of Ancient Chang-An” looks at the ancient cosmopolitan capital and fabled start of the Silk Road. Free with museum admission.

* Feb. 8, 1-5 p.m.: “Seeking Immortality” symposium. Stanford University professor emeritus Albert Dien speaks on “Grave Figurines in the Context of the Afterlife in Traditional China.” UC Irvine art history professor Judy Chungwa Ho looks at “Stories From Chinese Tombs.” Baker examines “Auspicious Beasts, Tomb Guardians and Heavenly Kings: A Glimpse of the Supernatural in Ancient China.” Members $10, nonmembers $15, students $5; includes museum admission and reception. No advance registration.

* Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Film “The Art Gallery in the Desert” tours Dunhuang, an oasis along the Silk Road featuring 500 art-filled caves. Free with museum admission.

* March 6: Baker lectures on “Symbols of Immortality: Bronzes and Jades.” Members $5. Nonmembers $7.50. No advance registration.

* March 20: Baker lectures on “Buddhism and Exoticism: Sculpture and Ceramics.” Members $5. Nonmembers $7.50. No advance registration.

* March 27: Baker lectures on “The Chinese Landscape: Paintings, Palaces and Gardens.” Members $5. Nonmembers $7.50. No advance registration.

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Bowers Kidseum hosts its own series of “Seeking Immortality” activities in October. Events are free with museum admission. Information: (714) 480-1520:

* Saturday and Sunday: Art lab/Chinese Mingqi clay sculptures, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Live storytelling/Chinese folk tales, 1-3 p.m.

* Oct. 12-13: Art lab/Chinese egg painting, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Live storytelling/Chinese folk tales, 1-3 p.m.

* Oct. 19-20: Art lab/Chinese dragon puppets, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Face painting/Chinese dragon designs, noon-3 p.m.