Our workshop series is designed to introduce students to the uniqueness of Chinese aesthetics through a hands-on exposure to a variety of Chinese arts.  Students will have the opportunity to experience the different expressions of Chinese aesthetics with their five senses, explore the underlying consistencies and differences of various Chinese arts, and create works of their own under the guidance of experienced instructors.  Students will indicate their preferences for which three of the nine workshops they wish to take.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is one of the most important genres of art in China.  Historically the Chinese have regarded calligraphy as a unique expression of scholarship, character, and cultural attainment.  In this workshop, students will learn to appreciate selected masterpieces from different historical periods.  Instructors will provide personal guidance on the techniques of holding the brush, controlling the movement of the arms and wrists, forming the eight basic strokes from which all Chinese characters are constructed, and writing Chinese characters in both formal and cursive styles.

Classical Chinese Painting

Classical painting was for millennia a popular pastime of aristocrats in imperial China.  In this workshop students will discover the techniques of Chinese brush painting through demonstrations and one-on-one instruction by experienced artists.  Students will learn how to create lines, shading, and texture, and explore the Chinese concepts of color, light, perspective, space, and composition.  In addition, students will examine selected masterpieces from different eras, and learn about the underlying symbolism and cultural significance.  This workshop will finish with each student attempting to paint his/her own version of a classic Chinese orchid.

Seal Carving

For thousands of years, traditional seal stamps were widely used as signatures or evidence of authority.  Involving a combination of calligraphy and carving, seal carving was a unique Chinese art and one of the basic competences expected of a traditional scholar.  In this workshop students will learn to carve their names on different stones and gain an appreciation for the different calligraphic and carving styles.

Chinese Music

Unlike Western music, traditional Chinese music is based on five notes that are taken to imitate the sounds of nature’s five elements: metal, fire, water, earth, and wood.  In this workshop students will have the opportunity to try a variety of traditional musical instruments, listen to live performances, learn about the basic theory of Chinese music, and discover for themselves the differences between the Chinese and Western musical traditions.

Folk Dances

The choreography, rhythm, and movements in Chinese folk dances are like no others.  In this workshop students will learn the steps and the music and look at the traditional costumes of two folk dances: one from the Han Chinese tradition and another from an ethnic minority.  They will also hear about the historical background of the dances and how they reflect the unique traditions and aspirations of life in China’s countryside.

Martial Arts

Martial arts have a long history in China as a means of promoting health and longevity and as unique forms of sport and art.  In this workshop students will see demonstrations and receive personal instruction from experienced instructors in both Shaolin martial arts and Wudang Taiji and gain an appreciation of their different styles and philosophies.

Regional Cuisines & Tea Appreciation

The preparation of food and tea is not only a long celebrated art in China but also one of its most interesting cultural expressions.  In this workshop students will learn about the major regional cuisines and teas, as well as Chinese table etiquette.  During dish sampling and tea tasting sessions, students will have the opportunity to discuss with chefs and tea masters about ingredients, recipes, and culinary skills.

Chinese Ceramics

This workshop is an introduction to China’s long and distinguished tradition in ceramics art.  Guided by a private collector, students will have the opportunity to closely examine and learn about a collection of pots and porcelains dating from the Han through Qing dynasties.  Each student will then apply the insights gained on shapes, colors, and design in creating original pieces of work in a local ceramics café.

Wei Qi (the ancient game of “Go”)

Wei Qi, developed in China over two thousand five hundred years ago, contends with backgammon for the distinction of being called the oldest game still played in its original form.  It was one of the Four Arts required of Chinese scholars in imperial China, along with zither, calligraphy, and painting.  Today, millions in Asia and elsewhere play this game.  Mao Zedong regarded it as a great strategic game and required his generals to study it.  In this workshop students will learn the rules of the game and some of the basic forms from an experienced instructor.