EEK! 2008 is the (Chinese) Year of the Rat. Celebrate at Creative Pier. February 7, 2008

"Gung Hay Fat Choy!" Come to Creative Pier (www.creativepier.com) near Union Square in Greenwich Village on Thursday, February 7 at 7 PM to “kick off” the first day of the Chinese New Year. Although 2008 is the Year of the Rat, do not be afraid as this promises to be a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Join in on the “Rat Pack” community art projects, get a second chance at New Year’s resolutions and raise a toast to new beginnings/new friends.

Why: First Day of the Chinese New Year

What: Pick up a paintbrush and add your brush strokes to a group “Paint the Rat” art project. “Write” a mural filled with the “top ten” most popular Chinese characters - some say visualizing your new year’s wishes for good luck, prosperity, longevity, happiness, wealth, harmony, love and beauty is the first step in making them come true. Prefer Chinese “takeout?” Go solo and make an individual rat out of modeling clay to take with you. All materials – clay, paints, brushes and smocks – will be provided. Light refreshments (beer, wine and soda), snacks (nuts, chips and dip) and “dessert” (Chinese fortune cookies) will be served. Both the “Paint the Rat” art project and Chinese character mural will be exhibited in the Creative Pier Art Gallery during the entire Chinese New Year festivities so feel free to return to visit your workmanship – and bring a friend.

When: Thursday, February 7, 2008, 7:00 – 11:00 PM

Where: Creative Pier, a tranquil, 1,600 square foot studio space with 14-foot ceilings
and “inspirational” décor at 833 Broadway at 13th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY – elevator building.

Cost: $20. If you were born in the Year of the Rat or have “rat” in your name and ID to prove it, 25% discount (pay $15).

Who: Founded in 2007 by Routa Segal, Creative Pier (www.creativepier.com) and its team of creative arts therapists offer workshops in artistic expression – theater, music and dance – to assist individuals in the “self-discovery” of their thoughts and feelings in order to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being. In addition to hosting weekly events, Creative Pier also has “resident artists” who both exhibit and sell their work at the Creative Pier Art Gallery.

Subway: 14th Street - Union Square Station. 4, 6, L, N and Q trains

Reservations: Routa Segal, CCAT, 212-674-7437 or rsvp@creativepier.com

Official Website: http://www.creativepier.com