Vivian Chan (EVP/Curator Chinese Floral Arts Foundation-USA Charter), Linda de la Torre (SMUSD Superintendent), Dr. Jose Gormez (President/Superintendent of PCC), Rosa Zee (president of Chinese Floral Arts Foundation-USA Charter) & Dr. Stuart Caldwell (Principal of Carver Elementary School). [Courtesy photo]
“This program bridges centuries of heritage with today’s students in an inspiring and interactive way,” said Vivian Chan, EVP/Curator of the Chinese Floral Arts Foundation–USA Charter. “We’re honored to be hosted by PCC and to engage our community in meaningful cultural learning.”
The symposium centers on the Traditional Chinese Floral Arts Exhibition, led by Dr. Li, Li-shu, a revered master of Chinese floral arts from Taiwan. She will be joined by three of her senior disciples, who will present original works that reflect centuries-old philosophies and artistic traditions.
Public viewing of the exhibition will be open July 25-26, with a VIP Reception held on Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m., welcoming dignitaries, artists, and community leaders.
The signature event, “Hands-On Culture — Be a Scholar for a Day,” takes place on Wednesday, July 9 from noon to 3 p.m. on the PCC campus.
This immersive program invites PCC students to explore the Four Daily Rituals of the Song Dynasty Literati: floral arranging, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and incense appreciation. These practices served not only as creative expression but also as a way of connecting deeply with nature. Participants will rotate through 30-minute sessions to experience each art form.
The award-winning initiative was originally launched at The Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden in 2008 and adopted for the San Marino Unified School District’s fourth-grade curriculum for over 13 years. It has become an integral model for cross-cultural engagement through arts education.
Additional hands-on floral design workshops will be held in San Marino. Participants will also enjoy a curated excursion to the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden, offering deeper insight into Chinese aesthetics and philosophy.
The event is made possible through a partnership between the Chinese Floral Arts Foundation–USA Charter, PCC, the PCC Foundation, and community sponsor the Chinese American Museum.
“Thanks to a Community Excellence Grant from the PCC Foundation, this marks our second year keeping the college galleries open during summer to expand public access to cultural exhibitions,” said Jeff Cain, Director of PCC Galleries and Assistant Professor in Visual Arts and Media Studies. “This summer, we’re thrilled to host three dynamic exhibitions: Haitian Revolution: Art of the Haitian Global South, the Chinese Floral Arts Symposium and Exhibition, and a solo photography show by Aydinaneth Ortiz as part of our regional Latinx arts focus.”
The Community Excellence Grants program supports initiatives that enrich both the student body and broader community. “The Community Excellence Grants program was created to support initiatives like this that deeply enrich both our student body and the broader community,” said Kris McPeak, Director of Programs and Alumni Engagement at the PCC Foundation. “Thanks to a transformational gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2021, we’re proud to sustain cultural programs that foster equity, diversity, and creative learning.”
The Chinese Floral Arts Foundation–USA Charter is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese floral arts through education, exhibitions, and community engagement. The organization bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance, fostering lifelong appreciation for art, nature, and cross-cultural understanding.
All events will take place at PCC’s V Building. For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, contact Vivian Chan at vivian@chinesefloralarts.org
