Introduction
The Chicago Chinatown Visitor Center is honored to welcome Liping Zhang, a renowned U.S. based Chinese artist and educator, as the featured instructor for this one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Known for her talent in blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with hands-on learning, Ms. Zhang invites participants of all backgrounds to explore the heart of Chinese visual culture in a fun and engaging way.
This interactive workshop features a rotating selection of traditional Chinese art forms, allowing guests to enjoy a new creative experience each time they join. From brush and ink to fan and mask painting, each session celebrates a different artistic tradition—rich with meaning, symbolism, and beauty.
Whether you’re a curious traveler, creative spirit, or cultural explorer, this is your opportunity to learn, create, and connect through art—one session at a time.
Workshop Overview
“Discover Chinese Art” Workshop: A Journey into Brush & Ink with Zhang Liping
Duration: 60 minutes
Location: Chinatown Visitor Center or selected community venues
Format:
- Cultural Introduction: Introduction to the origins, meaning, symbolism, and cultural background of Chinese visual arts
- Step-by-Step Demo by the Instructor: Watch Liping Zhang demonstrate traditional techniques before trying them yourself.
- Hands-On Instruction: Receive personal guidance as you practice the strokes, patterns, and techniques under Zhang’s expert coaching.
- Create Your Own Artwork: Complete your own piece—a fan, painting, calligraphy, or opera mask—to take home as a meaningful souvenir of your cultural journey.
Art Forms Offered:
- Chinese Calligraphy: Learn to write with traditional brush and ink, and take home your name or a meaningful character.
- Chinese Painting: Paint bamboo, plum blossoms, or koi fish using elegant brushwork and natural pigments.
- Peking Opera Mask Painting: Create a vibrant mask with symbolic colors representing famous opera roles.
- Fan Painting: Decorate a traditional hand fan with calligraphy or floral motifs—art you can carry with you.
What Participants Receive
- Guided instruction and one-on-one interaction with artist Zhang Liping
- Introduction to the cultural significance behind each art form
- All materials provided (paper, fans, brushes, ink, masks, etc.)
- Take-home artwork created by participants
- Custom artwork created by the artist, exclusively for workshop guests
- Cultural gift from Chinatown Visitor Center
- VIP perks and special offers, including:
- Discounts at Chinatown cultural shops
- Priority access to Chinatown’s seasonal events and walking tours
- Coupons for future workshops (art, food, pedicab rides etc.)
- Group discounts for schools, tour operators, and companies
Target Audience
- Visitors of all backgrounds—no art experience necessary
- Art and culture lovers
- Families and school groups
- Tour companies and educational institutions
- Corporate teams looking for creative team-building
Schedules
Held monthly starting May 2025, with flexible options for private groups and schools upon request. Available in English and bilingual (English/Chinese) sessions. Space is limited and workshops tend to fill quickly, so early registration is highly recommended.
Costs
TBD – Pricing to be announced. Group and early-bird discounts will be available.