Discover the beauty and mindfulness of traditional Chinese calligraphy in this beginner-friendly workshop in Beacon, NY.
Overview
You’ll learn the foundations of how Chinese characters are formed, how they express meaning through structure and symbolism, and how to write simple characters using a calligraphy brush, ink stone, and practice paper…
Discover the beauty and mindfulness of traditional Chinese calligraphy in this beginner-friendly workshop in Beacon, NY.
Overview
You’ll learn the foundations of how Chinese characters are formed, how they express meaning through structure and symbolism, and how to write simple characters using a calligraphy brush, ink stone, and practice paper. This hands-on workshop is a calming and creative introduction to one of China’s oldest art forms — perfect for anyone curious about culture, language, or slow, meditative creative practices.
What You’ll Learn
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
- The basics of how Chinese characters communicate meaning through
shapes, strokes, and pictographic origins - The 8 essential strokes that make up all Chinese characters
- How to properly hold and write with a traditional calligraphy brush
- How to grind an ink stone to create your own ink
- How to write several beginner-level characters on practice paper
- How to write the character “Fortune” (福) — a popular symbol for good luck and a meaningful decoration for Lunar New Year
This workshop is ideal for anyone seeking an introduction to Chinese culture, brush writing, or traditional Asian arts.
What You’ll Make
You’ll practice writing several introductory characters and create your own final calligraphy piece featuring the character “Fortune”, a classic symbol used for celebrations, gifting, and Lunar New Year displays.
What You’ll Take Home
You’ll leave with your finished calligraphy artwork as well as a personal calligraphy set —
brush, ink, and practice paper — so you can continue practicing at home.
Who This Workshop Is Best For
This class is designed for absolute beginners ages 16+. No art or language experience is required.
You’ll love this workshop if:
- You’re of Chinese heritage and want to reconnect with your cultural roots
- You’re interested in traditional Chinese art, writing, symbols, and brush techniques
- You want to create calligraphy for
Lunar New Year, celebrations, or greeting cards - You’re an artist or creative who wants to incorporate Chinese visual elements into your work
- you’re drawn to slow, mindful, meditative arts
Registration Information
A materials fee of $20 is included. You'll get to take a brush, a bottle of ink and practice paper home with you.
$165 (Non-Members)
$140.25 (Members)
About the Teaching Artist
Louisa Wah is a writer, artist, and educator raised in Hong Kong, where she studied Chinese calligraphy and won numerous school competitions in calligraphy and painting. In recent years, she has returned to the brush, incorporating traditional calligraphy into her chinoiserie-inspired artwork. Her work reflects the beauty of her hybrid cultural background and her deep love of nature.
