A Start with the Arts meets daily Monday-Friday and offers 4-5 year-olds the opportunity to work with an arts educator to explore the art, culture, and wildlife of China throughmovement, drama, art making and other hands-on activities.This program for pre-schoolers parallels the school-age program in theme and content, Chinese Holidays & Traditions: July 13-17

For ages 4-5.

8:30am: Clay

Peony Dishes & Panda Pots

Chinese clay arts have a history dating back over 10,000 years. Starting in the Neolithic period with basic, coiled pottery, the ceramic arts evolved in China to include the invention of porcelain, which is used today to make beautiful vases. In this exciting class with artist Katja Johnson, create vessels inspired by flowers and animals such as the peony and the panda. Additional $10 material fee.

10:15am: Architecture

Ancient Shrines: Create a Chinese Pagoda

Pagodas are one of the most celebrated forms of Chinese architecture. Going back thousands of years, these temples were first made first from wood, then from brick and stone. Sometimes they served as a monk’s tomb, or housed sacred Buddhist texts or relics. Join artist Laurie Witzkowski to learn about these ancient structures. Then create your own model of a multi-tiered Chinese pagoda with elegant curving roofs.

For ages 9 – 12.

8:30am: Clay

Peony Dishes & Panda Pots

Chinese clay arts have a history dating back over 10,000 years. Starting in the Neolithic period with basic, coiled pottery, the ceramic arts evolved in China to include the invention of porcelain, which is used today to make beautiful vases. In this exciting class with artist Katja Johnson, create vessels inspired by flowers and animals such as the peony and the panda. Additional $10 material fee.

10:15am: Architecture

Ancient Shrines: Create a Chinese Pagoda

Pagodas are one of the most celebrated forms of Chinese architecture. Going back thousands of years, these temples were first made first from wood, then from brick and stone. Sometimes they served as a monk’s tomb, or housed sacred Buddhist texts or relics. Join artist Laurie Witzkowski to learn about these ancient structures. Then create your own model of a multi-tiered Chinese pagoda with elegant curving roofs.

For ages 6 – 8.

8:30am: Mixed Media

Magical Cloisonné Creatures

Cloisonné is a Chinese art form where thin metal strips are used to create a design on a metal surface. The resulting compartments are filled with powdered colored glass enamel. This technique, known as jingtailan, is still produced today. Learn about cloisonné art with artist Jeanette Dickinson. Then create a work of art featuring a cloisonné-inspired magical beast, such as the shapeshifting quilin or the fierce winged pixiu.

10:15am: Puppetry

Chinese Zodiac Hand Puppets

Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor decided he needed some guards for the gates of heaven. He invited 12 animals to a race. Then he ranked them in the order they arrived at the gates: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Work with Gustavo Boada to shape your very own Chinese Zodiac animal hand puppet, then retell the story of the Race to the Heavenly Gate.

For ages 9 – 12.

8:30am: Painting

Xieyi Style: Chinese Flower & Bird Paintings

Xieyi Chinese painting is characterized by spontaneous “freehand” style and the artist’s spiritual expression. In Chinese culture, many flowers and birds carry specific symbolic meanings, which artists use to convey a virtue. Learn about the meanings of certain Chinese birds and flowers, then create your own Xieyi-inspired paintings with artist Melodee Strong.

10:15am: Puppetry

Chinese Zodiac Hand Puppets

Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor decided he needed some guards for the gates of heaven. He invited 12 animals to a race. Then he ranked them in the order they arrived at the gates: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Work with Julie and Gustavo Boada to shape your very own Chinese Zodiac animal hand puppet, then retell the story of the Race to the Heavenly Gate.

For ages 9 – 12.

8:30am: Puppetry

Chinese Zodiac Hand Puppets

Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor decided he needed some guards for the gates of heaven. He invited 12 animals to a race. Then he ranked them in the order they arrived at the gates: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Work with Gustavo Boada to shape your very own Chinese Zodiac animal hand puppet, then retell the story of the Race to the Heavenly Gate.

10:15am: Mixed Media

Magical Cloisonné Creatures

Cloisonné is a Chinese art form where thin metal strips are used to create a design on a metal surface. The resulting compartments are filled with powdered colored glass enamel. This technique, known as jingtailan, is still produced today. Learn about cloisonné art with artist Jeanette Dickinson. Then create a work of art featuring a cloisonné-inspired magical beast, such as the shapeshifting quilin or the fierce winged pixiu.

For ages 6 – 8.

8:30am: Puppetry

 Chinese Zodiac Hand Puppets

Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor decided he needed some guards for the gates of heaven. He invited 12 animals to a race. Then he ranked them in the order they arrived at the gates: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Work with Julie and Gustavo Boada to shape your very own Chinese Zodiac animal hand puppet, then retell the story of the Race to the Heavenly Gate.

10:15am: Painting

Xieyi Style: Chinese Flower & Bird Paintings

Xieyi Chinese painting is characterized by spontaneous “freehand” style and the artist’s spiritual expression. In Chinese culture, many flowers and birds carry specific symbolic meanings, which artists use to convey a virtue. Learn about the meanings of certain Chinese birds and flowers, then create your own Xieyi-inspired paintings with artist Melodee Strong.

For ages 6 – 8.

12:30pm: Bookbinding

Bound by Tradition

Did you know that the Chinese invented paper? Before that, scribes wrote on pieces of bamboo or silk. With paper came the evolution of new techniques such as the accordion book and stab- binding. In this hands-on class, you will learn the history of Chinese book arts, from the simple scroll to the complicated “Dragon scale” binding. Then work with Artist Heidi Witte to create your own artistic books using folding and stitching techniques.

2:15pm: Textiles

Su xiu Embroidery

Lotuses and peonies, pomegranates and peaches! Su xiu embroidery is a vibrant type of decorative sewing that goes back more than 2,000 years, and can be seen on robes, purses, slippers, and quilts. Feast your eyes on some beautiful examples of this embroidery technique from the city of Suzhou, then be guided by artist Julie Boada as you learn some embroidery techniques to fashion your own miniature pincushion.

For ages 9 – 12.