Instructor’s event acts as gateway to Chinese culture, philosophy

Yuzhi Lan will teach Chinese calligraphy throughout the semester starting today.

The event will last from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Fridays at the Asian Culture Center.

The program introduces people to the basic Chinese language and culture, Lan said.

“We hope the community members will take advantage of these activities,” graduate assistant Sarah Moon said. “We do a wide variety of activities for all ages.”

Lan described a series of symbols which form to make a specific Chinese phrase. She uses the symbols to guide her class and introduce them to Chinese teachings as well as philosophy.

“I enjoy teaching very much,” Lan said.

Lan studied Chinese painting as a college student and taught a Chinese painting class last year. Often times, people will approach her and are curious as to how to write their names or various general phrases in Chinese, she said.

The materials the students work with are all natural; this includes things such as bamboo, goat fur and tree bark.

She will sometimes ask students what they are feeling while in class.

“Some said they felt the energy is different working with Chinese materials,”
Lan said.

The center plans a multitude of cultural events throughout the year, many of them discussion based.

“We raise awareness about Asian Culture and teach people about it,” senior and student assistant Priscilla Hung said.

The center also offers free language classes such as Japanese and Korean.

“It’s a way to get people involved if they don’t want to take a weekly language class,” Moon said. “We’re just trying to provide diverse events for people in Indiana so people are exposed to it more.”

The center has an event called Monday Table Topics in which graduate students can present research on issues in the Asian and Asian-American community.

“Even if you can’t study abroad, you can come to the Asian Culture Center and meet people from those countries,” Moon said.

At their most recent cooking demonstration, more than 50 people attended.

“We have a large attendance at most of our events, and people seem to enjoy themselves,” Moon said.

The center had a celebration for the Lunar New Year, with crafts, food and a performance.

“We try to raise awareness by getting students and community members an outlet to celebrate that holiday as well,” Hung said.

The center is open to anyone, Moon said.

“We’re a resource not just for IU students and staff, but for the city of Bloomington,” Moon said. “We’re kind of the only culture center of this kind.”