On January 5th, the spirit of the Lunar New Year was brought into classrooms at Guanggu Experimental Primary School by the National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Ethnic Art at SCMU, through an engaging open lab event titled “Spring Couplets and New Year Paintings Enliven Classrooms”.
Li Guanglai, a distinguished teacher, expert in traditional Chinese painting mounting and restoration, and an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, captivated students with fascinating stories about the history of spring couplets before demonstrating the traditional art form. The students, inspired by Li’s passion and skill, eagerly produced their own couplets adorned with heartfelt blessings. The event created an atmosphere of joy and harmony, immersing the children in the beauty of spring couplets and the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.
Festive Spirit Abounds at the Event. Photographed by Huang Jun
The curiosity about traditional New Year paintings was also sparked: how were these artworks created in times gone by? The “New Tales of New Year Paintings” team provided answers, revealing that these paintings are crafted through woodblock printing, not pen and ink. They detailed the entire crafting process, from sketch to print, and even demonstrated the technique using antique woodblocks, much to the fascination of the children.
This activity, marking the second collaboration between the National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Ethnic Art and Guanggu Experimental Primary School, effectively highlighted the community engagement and educational outreach efforts of university labs. Xia Jin, the center’s Deputy Director, reflected on the event’s success, noting its role in enriching students’ appreciation for traditional culture and raising public awareness of the Demonstration Center’s work. Through such initiatives, the center not only brings traditional culture to life for students but also plays a critical role in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of China’s cultural heritage.
Edited by Lei Changsheng；Reviewed by Gui Sunlai
