Chinese Folk Art: Paper-cutting Workshop with Lucy Liu

Join Chinese folk artist Lucy Liu in this dynamic and hands-on paper-cutting workshop. Lucy will discuss the history and traditions of paper cutting, typical paper-cut patterns, and engage in a workshop where guests can learn and create their own paper-cutting masterpieces.  All materials will be provided. This workshop is open to all skill levels.

Chinese paper-cutting is a cherished traditional art that dates back to the development of paper, around the Han Dynasty. Initially, it gained popularity for decorating doors and windows as paper became more widely available. Intricate designs, featuring symbols and animals, are crafted using scissors or art knives. With the increasing affordability of paper, paper-cutting evolved into one of the most significant forms of Chinese folk art. In traditional Chinese paper-cutting, each individual art piece is cut from a single sheet of paper. 

Original paper-cutting artwork has been known to considerably appreciate in value over time. Since 2009 the technique has been considered a World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. From ancient times to today, Chinese paper-cutting art has been a popular decoration for festivals and events, like Chinese New Year, weddings, childbirth, and birthdays. They are also known as chuanghua (窗花), meaning ‘window flowers’ because it first gained popularity for decorating doors and windows. Paper-cuts typically symbolize good luck, blessings, and happiness. Traditionally, five colors are used: cyan, red, yellow, white, and black, which reference the ancient Chinese philosophy of the universe among the five elements: wood (cyan), fire (red), earth (yellow), metal (white), and water (black). Red is the most commonly used color, representing luck and prosperity.

Please note that events may be canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

"AAPI Heritage Month Cultural Festival 2024" is sponsored by Chicago Community Trust.

About the Instructor

Paper-cutting artist Lucy P. Liu has spent years infusing her paper-cutting art into beautiful public art, wall art, illustrations, home decor, and more with 3D and 2D formats. She has been an ‘Artist in Residence’ at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago and here at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art. Her vivid demonstration and artwork was exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago in 2020. Lucy has instructed Chinese paper-cutting art courses at Benedictine University, Lifelong Learning Center, Forest Lake College, the Chicago Public Library, the Lab Schools of University of Chicago, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and many more.

Accessibility

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art's Entrance is on West 35th Street.  Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. Accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Free parking space is available next to the museum, accessed via West 35th Street.

Email at [email protected]

Phone at 312-842-8884

Host or Publisher Heritage Museum of Asian Art