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Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Through Art & Expression
Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with a creative family activity inspired by artist Bernice Bing. Explore identity, culture, and self-expression through art and storytelling.
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and contributions of AANHPI communities. It is also an opportunity to explore identity, honor personal stories, and recognize how creativity can connect people across different backgrounds.
One meaningful way to explore these ideas is through art. Families and providers are invited to try this hands-on activity from the Asian Art Museum: Calligraphic Creations Activity.
In this activity, children observe artwork by Bernice Bing, an Asian American artist, and create their own designs by transforming words, names, or symbols into expressive art. Using simple materials like paper, markers, or pencils, children can experiment with shapes, lines, and movement to creatively express meaning.
Calligraphy is an important art form across many Asian cultures. It combines writing and visual art to express identity, emotions, and cultural traditions. Through this activity, children can discover how something as simple as a word or name can help tell a story about who they are.
As you create together, consider asking:
- What word or symbol represents you?
- How can art show your feelings or your story?
- What can we learn about others through their creations?
These shared moments of creativity can help children feel proud of who they are while encouraging appreciation for the stories and traditions of others, helping build understanding, respect, and connection.