A Brush with Culture: Chinese Calligraphy Blooms at Denver Botanic Gardens

This spring, I had the joy of sharing the timeless art of Chinese calligraphy with students from across the Denver area through a special online course hosted by the Denver Botanic Gardens. While our brushes met paper virtually, the connection felt deeply rooted—just like the gardens themselves, where culture and nature are always in harmony.​

Calligraphy in Full Bloom

Chinese calligraphy is more than an art form—it’s a meditative practice that has connected generations for over 3,000 years. With each class, we dove into foundational brush strokes, explored ancient writing styles, and learned how the flow of qi (energy) shapes every character.

Although the class was held online, the spirit of community was vibrant. Students tuned in from all over Denver, bringing their curiosity and creativity to every session. Some were brand-new to calligraphy, while others were rekindling a long-held interest. What united us was a shared appreciation for beauty, history, and mindfulness.​

Denver’s Appreciation for the Arts

Denver has long been known for its flourishing arts scene, and this course was a wonderful reminder of how much the local community values cultural learning. The Denver Botanic Gardens, already a cherished space for nature and art lovers, continues to enrich the city by offering classes that go far beyond horticulture. From Ikebana to botanical illustration, and now Chinese calligraphy, the Gardens provide a platform for global traditions to thrive here in Colorado.​

Looking Ahead

Teaching this course was a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful to the Denver Botanic Gardens for the opportunity to connect with such an enthusiastic group of learners. I look forward to future collaborations and the chance to bring more cultural arts to the Denver community.​ If you’re curious to explore Chinese calligraphy or join a future class, I invite you to visit jojocalligraphy.com to learn more.