New Year on Paper: Unfolding Chinatown NYC
Pop-Up Book Launch & Documentary Premiere
January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
In collaboration with Chinatown Partnership/Chinatown BID and Starry House, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is delighted to present New Year on Paper: Unfolding Chinatown NYC, a one-of-a-kind cultural celebration featuring the world’s first pop-up book dedicated to Chinatown NYC. This beautifully crafted book brings the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year to life through exquisite paper engineering and vivid illustrations, creating a 3D experience that captures the spirit, landmarks, and bustling energy of Chinatown.
Join us for an engaging evening featuring the documentary premiere and an insightful conversation with the creative team behind this innovative project. Discover the inspiration and stories that shaped the book, highlighting the cultural richness and timeless legacy of Chinatown.
The event will be moderated by Yifan Wu, MOCA’s Director of Programs. A casual reception will follow, offering guests the opportunity to network, share stories, and foster community connections.
Run of Show
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Appetizers & Networking
Kick off the evening with light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle and connect with fellow attendees.
6:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Documentary Premiere
Be seated for the premiere of a short documentary that unveils the inspiration, process, and impact of this project.
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM | Authors’ Talk & Q&A
Dive into the creative process with the book’s creators as they discuss the making of the pop-up book and its cultural significance. Participate in a Q&A session to learn more and share your thoughts.
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Reception
Network, share stories, and enjoy photo opportunities with the creative team and fellow guests.
About the Artist:
Star Shen is a New York-based freelance illustrator and Meggendorfer Prize-nominated paper engineer, specializing in visual design and paper engineering for pop-up books, greeting cards, editorial projects, and commercial advertisements.
About the Book
“New Year On Paper: Unfolding Chinatown NYC” is the world’s first pop-up book about Chinatown NYC, celebrating the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year. Through intricate paper engineering and vivid illustrations, the book brings the bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and festive scenes of Chinatown to life, offering readers an immersive cultural experience. Each page unfolds a 3D world where architecture, celebrations, and the spirit of the community leap off the pages, transporting people into the heart of Chinatown. This book is not only a work of art but also a powerful medium to showcase Chinatown’s charm and foster cultural connection. We hope this book inspires people around the world to appreciate Chinatown and breathe new vitality into its cultural and economic future.