To kick off the Chinese New Year which is January 22, 2023, Taiwanese/Hot Springs artist, Bai Mros, will lead a series of activities here at Emergent Arts to share Chinese culture with participants.

On January 7th and 21st between noon-5pm, swing by Emergent Arts to decorate a paper lantern for the Lantern Fest, or by the Garland County Library on Jan 17th at 4PM! In Chinese culture, the Lantern Festival is not just an event for celebration; it is also a ceremony for benediction, blessing, sharing, and commemorating the ancestors—this ceremonial celebration carries the symbol of spiritual connection to the past and present. In the Chinese New Year tradition, the date of the Lantern Festival is at the end of the Lunar New Year holiday. It is also the highlight of the whole New Year celebration.

Decorated lanterns will be on display February 3rd-5th at David Watkins Park on Park Ave. A competition of painted and decorated lanterns will also be part of the festivities. Those who want to take part in the competition aspect of the lantern painting festival will have their works on display at the Garland County Library. Judging will take place February 3-5th. Winners will win a gift basket and bragging rights! Participants can enter the children’s category or the adult category. If you cannot make it to the lantern painting days at Emergent or the Garland County Library, you may pick up a blank paper lantern and take it home to decorate and return by the 27th of January.

On January 14th from 1-4PM, learn Chinese Calligraphy and the art of Papercutting. On January 28th, Mros will host a Chinese Tea Fest sharing etiquette and tea with attendees. Sign up for time slots between 1-3PM.