It’s something to see: artists John Lee and ShinYeon Moon at work creating the beginnings of drawings on red envelopes.

They’re the same envelopes used for gift giving during Lunar New Year and other celebrations. In this case, the artists are drawing snakes, since the Year of the Snake is underway.

“Snakes are fun, and it’s nice to see how to see how they are very friendly this year. The images [are] not just terrifying, slimy, gross ones,” Moon said, referring to the work of more than 120 artists for this year’s Red Envelope Show.

There are many different takes on snakes at the show at Harman Projects gallery on the Lower East Side. It’s the tenth year for the show curated by Albert Chau, a.k.a. Grumpy Bert.

“Year after year, the show just grew and grew. It just went strong and now it’s a tradition,” Chau said.

Basically, Chau gives an artist three envelopes and they are off to the races. There are funny snakes, cute snakes, rockin’ snakes, all created by artists from both the five boroughs and around the world. 

“Most of them are pretty direct with the actual year or the snake, but then some are like totally random and they just go off in another direction,” Chau said.

John Lee stuck with the formula for his “snake on a train.” Lee says creating something for the new year is a good way to get headed in the right direction.

“As an artist, I think it’s really important to put your foot forward in the right way, so it’s really great. It’s a good tradition,” Lee said.

All the envelopes and artwork at the show are for sale. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The show runs through Feb. 22. Find out more here.