Xun Ye- Chinese Clay and Paper Folk Arts

Xun Ye comes from Hangzhou, China, where he was a master flour dough sculptor - an ancient art handed down to him by his grandfather, a famous flour figurine artist.  Xun is a highly regarded artist and teacher in the United States and serves as Art Director of Puppetry in Practice, a 40-year-old arts education organization housed at Brooklyn College.  Xun facilitates various forms of storytelling and conducts residencies in Chinese folk arts in schools and community centers.  He collaborates with various artists who specialize in all art forms, and supplements their work with his extraordinary visual arts skills.  Xun’s residencies help children explore the rich cultural history of China and its arts. 


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ASSEMBLY AND WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION


Chinese Folktale Assembly: The Magic Brush In Person, Virtual

The Magic Brush is a classic Chinese folktale that tells the story of a young boy who acquires a brush that when he uses it, brings what he paints to life. This creative puppetry show, featuring a giant pop-up book handmade by Xun Ye, live drawing and interactive play. Can be performed in either English or Mandarin. The show is presented by Flushing Town Hall teaching partner Puppetry in Practice. Students will explore Chinese culture, learn about the power of art, and build collaboration and communication skills. For grades K-2!

Flour Dough Sculpture Workshop In Person

Creating dynamic and intricate human, animal and floral figures from ordinary flour dough has been a popular folk art craft in China since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).  During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), dough sculptures in the shape of people, fruits, flowers and birds were used as sacrifices and could be eaten.  However, flour dough sculpture delighted Emperor Qianlong in the mid 1700s during the Qing dynasty and these sculptures have been considered a cherished art form ever since.  Xun Ye is a master flour dough sculptor from Hangzhou whose craft was handed down to him from his grandfather.  Content can be adjusted for all ages.  For grades 1-12!

Chinese Paper Lantern Making Workshop In Person

For 2,000 years, the construction of paper lanterns has been a traditional part of a wide variety of Chinese celebrations. This art form has even extended to neighboring cultures throughout Southeast Asia. This tradition is linked to the launching of paper lanterns into the air or on water as part of aspirational rituals. The carrying of wishes is part of several festive celebrations.  Paper lanterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are as unique as the individuals who create them.  For grades 2-12