WELCOME TO
THE 4TH
CHINESE CHARACTER ART EXHIBITION

INTRODUCTION

In 2020, we launched the Chinese Character Art Project with the aim of introducing students to the creative and expressive world of Chinese characters, fostering an understanding of their meanings, and instilling joy in the learning process.

The inaugural Chinese Character Art Exhibition received support from the Harvard Elson Family Arts Initiative Fund. Student artworks were showcased on a virtual platform, attracting over 1600 visitors. The success continued with the 2nd Exhibition at the Harvard Vanserg Building. The 3rd Exhibition, hosted at Upenn, gained sponsorship from Solos smartglasses and the Penn Language Center.

Over the past three years, we've received numerous artworks from students, garnering positive feedback, particularly during the pandemic. Students expressed how the projects aided in emotional expression and contributed positively to their mental health.

As we enter 2024, we proudly announce the 4th Chinese Character Art Exhibition, scheduled from February to mid-April. Students enrolled in Chinese language courses or programs across U.S. are invited to participate. The top 10 selected works will be awarded with gifts.

Content and Forms

Participant must submit an artwork of one (or several) self-chosen Chinese character using any desired visual form of art. Design medium is not limited to physical/digital art, painting, sculpture, engraving, calligraphy, animated GIFs, integrated materials art, etc.

Each participant must write a short description in English (200-300 words) on the art piece addressing questions including but not limited to:

Which Chinese character did they choose for the art piece and why?
Why did they choose the specific materials to make the particular piece?
What do they want their art piece to communicate to viewers?
What is something they learned about themselves, the character, or art in general through making this piece?

*Student works must be original and cannot have been previously exhibited at another event or occasion, such as in competition or public media.

*For previous exhibits refer to links at the end of this webpage.

Application

1. Complete the registration form.

https://forms.gle/Wo9637q1Eyy8U9Ew7

2. When your art piece is complete, send it (in pdf or video format) with a description (in pdf format) to chinesecharacterart@gmail.com by Mar 31st 2024. Please title your email in the format: "[art piece name] - [your English name] - [school name]"

*If you have further questions, please contact us at the same email address.

Dates to Remember

Feb 15th - Mar 31st

application and submission of artwork

Apr 1st - Apr 10th

student’s work will be reviewed by the selection committee

Apr 11th - Apr 16th

notification to top 10 winners

Apr 17th - Apr 25th

awards will be sent out to students

Awards

The 10 best submissions will each win a special gift from CHENG & TSUI !!

Cheng & Tsui is the leading publisher of Asian language learning textbooks & multimedia educational materials. Since its founding in 1979, Cheng & Tsui has been dedicated to "Bringing Asia to the World.“