DAY OF LAUGHTER

With Visiting Artist Yue Minjun

Date & Time

DATE:       Thursday, July 13th, 2017
TIME:       10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Full Event
                   10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Mayor Gregor Robertson Official Proclamation
                   12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM Laughing Yoga session (mat or towel optional)
Come laugh with us! Starting 10:00 AM on Thursday July 13th at Morton Park, Mayor Gregor Robertson will proclaim the official DAY OF LAUGHTER in honour of visiting Chinese artist Yue Minjun. If you don’t recognize the name, you’ll certainly recognize his face because its featured prominently on the fourteen giant smiling bronze men that make up the most iconic public art installation in the city, A-maze-ing LaughterA-Maze-Ing Laughter was the only public artwork in Canada to ever be nominated for the “Great Places in Canada Contest” by the Canadian Institute of Planners. The sculpture also helped the West End win the 2015 “Great Place in Canada Great Neighbourhood” Award.
This free public event, which will include a noon-hour Laughing Yoga class, will celebrate this great work of public art by amplifying the message that happiness is a basic human right and laughter fundamental to our good health. The Day of Laughter will mark Yue Minjun’s first time in Vancouver and first visit to his sculpture in situ at English Bay. Come see in person the smile that started it all.
Throughout the day, we’d also like to share the laughter with people near and far. Strike a pose, take a silly photo, tell a joke, let us know what makes you laugh and why it’s important to you. Share with friends and family via social media. Tag us and we’ll share it too!
#VanBiennale #VBDayofLaughter
 Free giveaways and light refreshments will be served
ABOUT LAUGHING YOGA
Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea that is simple yet profound. It is a form of exercise that is sweeping the world and recognized for its various psychological and physiological benefits, such as improving mood, reducing stress, and enhancing the immune system. It is a fun and interactive class that will get you moving, connecting to your inner joy and experiencing laughter in a whole new way.  No yoga experience required. The session will be led by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat, a Registered Psychologist, Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher, and Laughter Yoga Instructor. For more information visit www.drkasimalmashat.com