Ricefield provides a variety of workshops, classes and craft based activities designed to promote a deeper understanding of Chinese arts and culture. In participating in these activities, children and adults are motivated to think creatively, are introduced to new ideas, social traditions & cultures, are challenged to explore Chinese heritage and identity, and are encouraged to communicate in new and different ways.

Ricefield’s workshops fit into several areas of the Curriculum for Excellence and can be adapted to suits the needs of your school, college or community group. We also offer in-house classes and one off workshops – see the What On page for more details.

Our popular workshops include:

ARTS, CRAFTS & TECHNOLOGIES

Chinese Calligraphy
Calligraphy is an ancient Chinese art that is to this day practiced widely throughout the Chinese-speaking world. Although it uses Chinese characters as its vehicle of expression, you don’t have to understand Chinese to appreciate its beauty because in essence Chinese calligraphy is an abstract art. Workshops can range from an introduction to simple strokes and characters, to more complex practice for those already familiar with the Chinese language.

Brush painting
With 6000 years of history, Chinese brush painting is a fascinating art form closely related to Chinese calligraphy in its unique formations of strokes and lines, and its use of water soluble Chinese ink. Brush painting aims to express characteristics of its subjects, often landscapes, flora & fauna, and historical figures. Classes aim to teach the basics of brush painting, and can focus on the two styles - spontaneous and detailed - and on specific subject matters.

Lantern making
Lantern making has a long and romantic history in China, and lanterns are used symbolically and decoratively in a variety of Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year, Chinese Lantern Festival, which falls on the night of the first full moon after the Chinese New Year (also Chinese Valentine’s day) and Mid-Autumn Festival. Participants are taught to construct Chinese-style lanterns, and are introduced to elements of other Chinese arts in their decoration.

Origami     
Origami is a form of visual or sculptural representation, defined primarily by the folding of paper. Origami workshops enable participants to transform a simple piece of paper into 3D art works such as flowers and animals, with just a few folds. This art form can be practiced individually or with interactive teamwork to produce a larger work of art.

Paper Cutting
Paper cutting is an increasingly popular media, developed from its origins in the folk cultures of rural China. Traditionally, vivid scenes from everyday life are skilfully cut from single pieces of paper and used as accessible forms of decorative art. Paper cutting workshops introduce participants to traditional patterns and motifs, and can result in a variety of final products, such as bookmarks, greetings cards or seasonal decorations.

Kite Making
Chinese kites arrived in the West during the 12th century. Traditional Chinese culture has integrated with kite-craft over the years to form a kite culture with unique characteristics. Kites come in a wide range of structures, shapes and sizes, and the finished product of this workshop can be adapted to suit the level of ability of the group.

Opera Mask Making
Traditional Chinese drama relies on exaggerated painted faces and masks to symbolise characters and tell stories. A mask can portray the complexities of human emotions, celestial beings, mythology and nature. In this workshop, participants paint their own masks and learn about some of China’s famous legends and stories.

MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS

Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an ancient form of exercise in China and is filled with traditional philosophy. As one of the most important branches of Kung Fu, Tai Chi emphasises the harmony, balance and unity of people and nature, and promotes both physical & mental health and wellbeing.

Kung Fu
Kung Fu Fitness combines different Kung Fu styles and Bando Kick Boxing. This demonstration and workshop offers students a fun way to learn about traditional Asian philosophies while improving self-esteem, self-discipline and physical & mental wellbeing.

Chinese Dance   
China is a vast country with numerous ethnic groups, all with their own styles of dance. Participants are led through key steps and movements, before progressing to dancing to music in a group performance. 

Ribbon Dance
The ribbon dance is based on a colourful, theatrical Chinese dance. The flying ribbons are symbols of joy and happiness. Participants learn and perform ribbon dances to traditional Chinese music.

Chinese Music
Chinese music has an ancient and diversely rich tradition.  Documents and artifacts provide evidence of a well-developed musical culture as early as the Zhou Dynasty (1122BC - 245BC). Workshop participants gain an insight into Chinese culture, musical instruments and genre, learn to sing traditional songs from different regions of China in Mandarin Chinese, and participate using percussive instruments in the rhythms of Chinese dances. Comparisons and similarities between the traditional music and dance of Scotland and China will be pointed out. Music sheets left with the school can enable the music, songs or rhythms to be performed again.
  
Others (available on request & depending on availability of tutors):

Woodblock printing
Paper making
Basic Mandarin language
Chinese knot making
Healthy Chinese cooking
Tibetan dance

Contact us

If you are interested in any of the above programmes and wish to know more, please email: info@ricefield.org.uk or telephone 0141-331 1019.