Session 01: Ming Vases + Cherry Blossoms
Join us for a fun and dynamic workshop that blends tradition with modern flair! In this hands-on class, you’ll design your own personal Ming vase, bring vibrant cherry blossoms to life, and explore a mix of acrylics, watercolor, inks, collage (to name just a few), using both traditional and alternative tools and methods. Incorporate meaningful symbols into your personalized design, just like the ancient artisans did. This project covers all the art essentials — from perspective, symmetry, and shadowing, to layering, abstraction, and realism, plus tons of creative techniques. Learn new skills while adding your unique touch to your very own still life. It’s art, history, and creativity rolled into one unforgettable experience. Sign up now and start creating!
4:00-5:00pm and 5:15- 6:15pm
June 6 June 13 June 20
Materials included
Ages 6-12
Join us for a fun and dynamic workshop that blends tradition with modern flair! In this hands-on class, you’ll design your own personal Ming vase, bring vibrant cherry blossoms to life, and explore a mix of acrylics, watercolor, inks, collage (to name just a few), using both traditional and alternative tools and methods. Incorporate meaningful symbols into your personalized design, just like the ancient artisans did. This project covers all the art essentials — from perspective, symmetry, and shadowing, to layering, abstraction, and realism, plus tons of creative techniques. Learn new skills while adding your unique touch to your very own still life. It’s art, history, and creativity rolled into one unforgettable experience. Sign up now and start creating!
4:00-5:00pm and 5:15- 6:15pm
June 6 June 13 June 20
Materials included
Ages 6-12
Join us for a fun and dynamic workshop that blends tradition with modern flair! In this hands-on class, you’ll design your own personal Ming vase, bring vibrant cherry blossoms to life, and explore a mix of acrylics, watercolor, inks, collage (to name just a few), using both traditional and alternative tools and methods. Incorporate meaningful symbols into your personalized design, just like the ancient artisans did. This project covers all the art essentials — from perspective, symmetry, and shadowing, to layering, abstraction, and realism, plus tons of creative techniques. Learn new skills while adding your unique touch to your very own still life. It’s art, history, and creativity rolled into one unforgettable experience. Sign up now and start creating!
4:00-5:00pm and 5:15- 6:15pm
June 6 June 13 June 20
Materials included
Ages 6-12
Full Class Descrition:
In this exciting, hands-on workshop, students will dive into the world of traditional art and modern abstraction to create their own vibrant still life featuring Ming vases and cherry blossoms. Over the course of three, one-hour classes, students will explore cultural history, artistic technique, and personal expression, combining a variety of materials and methods to create a unique artwork.
We’ll start with a journey into the intricate world of Ming vases, known for their detailed patterns and deep symbolism. Students will design their own personal symbols — like waves, stars, or shapes (to name a few) that represent something meaningful to them — just like the ancient artisans did. While sketching their vases, students will learn about symmetry, perspective, and spatial awareness to create a balanced and lifelike composition.
Next, we’ll jump into the painting process! Students will use acrylic paints to build up layers of color, learning how to create depth, texture, and dimension with washes and shadows. We'll explore the mix of realism and abstraction, as students experiment, adding personality and flair to their piece, allowing for playful exploration and incorporating modern twists to traditional approaches.
Then it’s time to bring the cherry blossoms to life. Using watercolor and ink, students will capture the delicate beauty of the blossoms, experimenting with a variety of brushstrokes and alternative mark-making tools such as tips, palette knives, sponges, and a few surprises!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Students will assemble all the elements they’ve been working on with collage techniques and even a bit of sparkle for some added magic, giving their artwork that personal touch. By the end of the workshop, students will have learned key techniques like perspective, shadowing, layering, and composition. They’ll gain insight into still life, art history, and cultural symbolism, leaving with an artwork that’s meaningful to them and a deeper understanding of how art can tell their own personal story.
And because we believe in having a ton of fun while learning, we’ll break up our creative work time with some music and movement inspired by the project’s cultural roots.
The Magic Behind the Making: Highlights & Takeaways
Explore color theory by learning how to mix acrylics to create new colors, shades, and tones
Design and personalize intricate Ming vases, learning about symmetry, balance, and perspective
Learn watercolor, ink, and acrylic techniques to capture the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms
Dive into layers, textures, and contrasts, bringing depth and life to every element
Create a unique artwork that blends traditional symbolism with modern expression
Unlock new techniques like collage, brushstroke exploration, and unconventional materials
Immerse in the cultural roots of the project, blending art history with playful creativity Paint, play, and get a little magical — turning ancient tradition into bold, modern wonder.
Watch colors dance, dazzle, and tell your one-of-a-kind story!