A Cultural Enrichment Session for GATE Students Led by Center for Global Learning and Innovation Staff

On Wednesday, June 18, Senior Innovation Officer Luna Lu and Global Citizen Youth Ambassador Adelle Dingledine from the Center for Global Learning and Innovation led a dynamic World Culture Club session for participants in Michigan State University’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. The GATE summer programs are designed to provide academically enriching and engaging experiences for students in grades 4 through 11, inviting MSU faculty and staff to share their expertise through interactive sessions.

This particular session, held at the Broad College of Business Complex, introduced students to the traditional art of Chinese calligraphy through a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on activities. 

Luna opened the session with a historical overview of Chinese calligraphy, tracing its evolution from the earliest oracle bone script—dating back nearly 3,500 years—to the modern regular script widely recognized today. Students also learned about the “Four Treasures of the Study”: the brush pen, ink stick, inkstone, and paper, which are the foundational tools used in Chinese calligraphy. Luna also facilitated a thoughtful discussion comparing Eastern and Western artistic traditions, encouraging students to reflect on cultural perspectives in art and deepen their appreciation for diverse creative expressions.

Following the lecture, students had the opportunity to explore the art form themselves. Each was provided with brushes, ink, and rice paper for a series of creative activities. They began by practicing the Chinese character for “Fortune,” which they were invited to take home and display as a symbol of good luck. Students also received personalized Chinese names, which they painted onto vibrant, custom-designed bookmarks. The session concluded with students creating expressive, freestyle ink brush paintings inspired by traditional Eastern artistic techniques.

Luna and Adelle, both active members of the Center for Global Learning and Innovation, expressed hope that the session sparked students’ interest in Chinese culture and encouraged a broader appreciation for global artistic traditions. They look forward to continuing their collaboration with the GATE program in the future.