Celebrating Our AAPI Community
Join us as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at Filoli, recognizing the rich cultural history, traditions, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Throughout the month, we’ll offer a variety of events and experiences that highlight the diversity and vibrancy of AAPI cultures.
Whether you're discovering new perspectives or celebrating familiar traditions, AAPI Heritage Month at Filoli is a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate with the community.
Haiku Contest
Submit your best haikus inspired by Filoli’s spring Garden to our annual contest, judged by San Mateo Poet Laureate Emerita Aileen Cassinetto.
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the contest, we are inviting work that highlights nature’s many generosities and the role it plays as a place for contemplation, joy, and healing. Please share your own personal and communal stories around Filoli’s Garden and the way it keeps us rooted and resilient. The special Ecopoetry Award will recognize a haiku that celebrates this theme while touching on the connection between humans and the environment.
Roses in the Garden with Ngoc Minh Ngo—Garden Conservancy
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
2–4pm
Join us for an exclusive lecture hosted by the Garden Conservancy featuring acclaimed photographer and writer Ngoc Minh Ngo. In her most intimate work to date, Ngo unveils the beauty and symbolism of the queen of flowers—roses—through a carefully curated selection of the world's finest gardens, spanning England, France, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Japan, and the United States. With a personal perspective, Ngo will share the story of her deep connection to both roses and photography, reflecting on how these passions blossomed as she grew up as a Vietnamese refugee in California. Don’t miss this captivating journey through art, nature, and resilience.
Filoli is thrilled to partner with the Garden Conservancy to host this special event. Organized by the Garden Conservancy, tickets can be purchased on their website.
Cost: $55 ($45 for Garden Conservancy or Filoli Members)
All tickets include admission to Filoli Historic House & Garden
Bonsai Day
Sunday, May 18, 2025
10am–4pm
Curious about bonsai care? On Sunday, May 18, Filoli hosts the Kusamura Bonsai Club to demonstrate bonsai pruning and answer all your questions about this ancient artform. Stop by the Dining Room Terrace between 10am–4pm.
Stories in Bloom
Bonsai and Beyond: The Life and Art of Dennis Makishima
Sunday, May 18, 2025
2–3pm
Be inspired by Dennis Makishima, a third-generation Japanese-American, Vietnam veteran, and acclaimed bonsai master, as he reflects on his life and the ancient art of bonsai. Dennis’ journey spans from his apprenticeship in Toyohashi, Japan, under Bonsai Master Yasuo Mitsuya to creating the Merritt College Aesthetic Tree Pruning Program and leading the Golden State Bonsai Federation as President.
During this captivating talk, Dennis will share valuable insights into the artistry and philosophy behind bonsai, followed by a book signing of his new release, Mr. Omoshiroi—a must-have for bonsai enthusiasts and fans alike.
Bonsai Exhibit
May 1–31, 2025
Everything is better in miniature, especially trees! Explore highlights from our bonsai collection, on display all month with object labels translated in English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese.
Object Highlight: Art by Betty Ecke
Director of Museum Collections and Curator Kevin Wisney details a serendipitous moment when an auction item was brought to his attention. A beautiful piece of art by famed Chinese/Hawaiian artist Betty Ecke (Tseng Yuho or Zheng Youhe). The art had a very strong provenance – Mr. and Mrs. Roth purchased the art from Betty Ecke and brought it to Filoli.
Asian Art Tour
Enjoy a tour of Filoli's Asian art collection with Interpretation Manager Willa Brock. Just as it was during the time of the families, the home is predominantly filled with 17th and 18th century English and Irish furniture and art. However, the collection does span more than six centuries and over a dozen countries, including many Chinese pieces.
Read Our Blog
The National Trust for Historic Preservation: Stories of Resilience: Three Asian Americans Who Shaped Filoli
Filoli highlights three Asian Americans who helped build the Filoli community and steward the estate: a beloved chef who worked for the Roths, a floriculturist who transformed the garden’s textures, and a famed landscape architect instrumental in preserving Filoli for the public.
Featured in the photo the the left is Chef Kee Low. For more than 40 years the Roths’ Kitchens were skillfully managed by Low. He cooked from memory and skill, rather than recipe books, and had a talent for duplicating dishes from the Roths’ international travels, from tamales to curry chicken.
All About Bonsai
Highlights from Filoli’s collection of more than 50 bonsai will be on display all month in the Garden House and on the Dining Room Terrace. Read our blog to learn more about the history of bonsai and their tie to Filoli.
