The Queens Botanical Garden will host its 10th annual Taiwan: A World of Orchids exhibition that will be on display from Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13.
On Thursday, Aug. 10, the garden was joined by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, City Councilwoman Sandra Ung, representatives from Rep. Grace Meng and Senator John Liu’s office and Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo to present the exhibit featuring 750 pots of stunning orchids.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 10th anniversary of Taiwan: A World of Orchids at Queens Botanical Garden with TECO-NY and all our partners and sponsors,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, executive director of Queens Botanical Garden. “While the focal point is the beauty of 900 orchids on display, the event includes cultural activities, performances and appreciation for the community and friendship across all cultures.”
Taiwan, known as the “Island of Orchids,” boasts an extraordinary diversity of orchids, with over 400 species flourishing across its lush landscapes, making it an orchid paradise, according to James K.J. Lee, ambassador and director-general of TECO-NY.
“Orchids have become woven into the fabric of our culture, serving an apt metaphor for the values that represent Taiwan: elegance, resilience and unity,” Lee said. “Just as these flowers thrive together in diverse environments, we too can flourish in harmony, respecting each other’s unique perspectives and embracing the vibrant tapestry of cultures that define New York City.”
Pauline Huang, QBG ambassador and president/marketing director at United Custom Service Inc., said the “beautiful celebration of orchids and Taiwanese culture has attracted countless partners, supporters, and admirers to Queens Botanical Garden to partake in this special weekend experience.”
The star of the exhibit is the Phalaenopsis (“fail-eh-NOP-sis”), or Moth orchid, native to Taiwan and Southeast Asia, presented here in a lush variety of colors and sizes. The displays are paired with artwork from the following emerging artists and curators: Chingya Weng, Entung Liu, Tzu-Ying Chan, and Chihyang Hsu.
Visitors at the garden will also enjoy many cultural demonstrations and performances such as Chinese calligraphy, jelly/3D flower art, screen printing, watercolor workshop, storytelling of Hsi-yu chi “Monkey King: Journey to the West” by Wu Ch’eng-en (c.1506-1580), tea ceremony by Elena Liao from Té Company, and jazz performances.
There will also be orchid crafts, orchid care demonstrations, an orchid sale, a Beer & Wine Garden, and local Taiwanese food and vendor fair.
The schedule of events varies and is subject to change. For more information about Taiwan: A World of Orchids, visit queensbotanical.org/orchids.
