MAA is Excited to Announce the Summer Workshop

Ink & Expression: Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting Workshop

with Claire Rodan & Wendy Shiau  

1pm - 4pm 

At Oasis Learning Center & Gallery 

Registration for MAA members and their guests open on April 25, and for nonmembers on May 16, 2026

Discover the Art of the Brush Through Blessings and Beyond

The Montgomery Art Association, in collaboration with the Global Mandarin Academy Foundation, invites you to explore the art of the brush, where stillness, movement, and expression come together.

This workshop introduces the foundational principles of Chinese calligraphy, beginning with the meditative practice of ink and brush. Participants will learn the eight essential strokes, write traditional blessing characters, and experience calligraphy as a balance of control, rhythm, and personal expression.

The session then expands into Chinese brush painting, where similar techniques give rise to bamboo and orchid forms, revealing the deep connection between writing and image.

No prior experience is required. All are welcome to engage in this reflective and creative practice.

Highlights
• Learn foundational calligraphy strokes
• Write traditional Chinese characters
• Explore brush painting (bamboo and orchids)
• Understand the cultural and aesthetic principles of brushwork
• Create and take home original artworks

Materials

All materials will be provided for use during the workshop, including:

• Chinese calligraphy brushes
• Ready-made ink
• Practice paper and high-quality calligraphy paper for final work
• Handouts on strokes, stroke order, and character evolution

Optional: Recommended Supplies

Participants are encouraged to bring or purchase their own calligraphy tools for continued practice.

Example calligraphy kit (Amazon):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074FL5D9X

Rice paper (sold separately; various options available):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGHVSX6W

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing suitable for ink work

• Snacks and drinks to stay energized

Fee

Workshop Location: Oasis Learning Center, Macy’s Home Store (2nd floor) 7125 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817 

Directions: Click this link for Directions to Oasis Learning Center & Gallery

Workshop Instructor

Dr. Claire Rodan  Dr. Claire Rodan is a scholar-artist based in Maryland. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, she developed an early passion for brush writing and has continued to deepen her practice through traditional training and cultural study. Her calligraphy blends classical technique with literary sensitivity and expressive visual storytelling.

Dr. Rodan has incorporated Chinese calligraphy into her language and culture courses at numerous institutions in the U.S. She is currently the Director of  Global Mandarin Academy Foundation. As both an artist and published author, she approaches calligraphy as a living art that connects movement, meaning, and cultural memory.

Dr. Wendy Shiau is a scholar, calligrapher, and brush painter with a Ph.D. in audiology and communication sciences. She has taught at universities in the U.S. and Taiwan, founded a free community clinic, and served as president of an audiology clinic in Maryland. At Global Mandarin Academy, she brings her deep knowledge of Chinese culture and artistic practice to teaching brush painting and calligraphy, combining cultural insight with hands-on creativity.

Questions:  Please contact Rachael Rice and Lily Kak if you have any questions about this workshop.