Bringing the Art of Chinese Calligraphy to Bel Aire Classrooms

Recently, hundreds of students at Bel Aire Elementary School had the rare opportunity to learn about Chinese calligraphy firsthand during a special visit from calligraphy artist Jojo Liu. The program, highlighted in The Ark, took place over three days during the week of December 1, giving third through fifth graders a hands‑on introduction to a practice with more than 3,000 years of history. Professional instruction and authentic materials were made possible through an arts grant from the Reed Union School District, allowing students to explore this expressive and disciplined form of writing in a structured classroom setting.

Throughout the workshop, students practiced holding traditional brushes, learned the order and rhythm of strokes, and carefully painted characters on rice paper. Many children discovered that calligraphy requires focus, coordination, and patience, while also offering a creative outlet and a connection to cultural traditions far older than most of their textbooks. Even when the brush felt unfamiliar or demanding, the young artists embraced the challenge and were proud of the work they produced. The Ark

This classroom visit underscores how Chinese calligraphy can enrich educational environments, offering students not only a chance to try something new, but also an experience that deepens their understanding of cultural arts and creative expression. Events like these reflect Jojo’s ongoing commitment to bringing meaningful, tactile experiences to learners of all ages, whether in schools, libraries, or online. The Ark

To read the original article in The Ark, visit: https://www.thearknewspaper.com/live/grant-brings-expert-chinese-calligrapher-to-classrooms-at-bel-aire-school

Learn more about Jojo’s upcoming workshops, virtual classes, and community outreach at https://jojocalligraphy.com.