CA
Center for Asian Arts, Inc.
centerforasianarts.org

Cross‑Cultural Literati Aesthetics for Today

We bridge classical East Asian literati traditions—ink, calligraphy, tea, philosophy—with contemporary practice and public humanities in the United States. Through exhibitions, workshops, and research, we foster dialogue that turns observation into reflection, and reflection into art.

Explore Programs Partner With Us
501(c)(3) nonprofit (pending/registered) • San Francisco, CA & Kansas City, MO/KS
Flagship Initiative
Ink Dialogues

Literati Spirit in the American Landscape — a hands‑on, contemplative program reimagining brush & ink as living tools for cross‑cultural reflection.

Mission

The Center for Asian Arts, Inc. advances cross‑cultural literati aesthetics through public programs, artist residencies, and scholarship. We engage communities across generations and languages to build empathy, creativity, and belonging. Our work connects museums, schools, and neighborhoods with artist‑scholars to co‑create equitable cultural futures.

Exhibitions

Curated shows that situate ink art within global dialogues and contemporary issues.

Workshops

Hands‑on brush practice, mindfulness, and visual literacy for all ages and backgrounds.

Research

Artist‑scholar projects, publications, and bilingual resources that bridge communities.

Community

Partnerships with nonprofits, libraries, and cultural centers to expand access.

Programs

Ink Dialogues
Literati Spirit in the American Landscape
  • Technique: brush, ink, paper; the ‘colors within black’ (墨分五色).
  • Philosophy: empathy, yin‑yang balance, reflective seeing.
  • Outcomes: community artworks, artist talks, bilingual resources.
Heaven & Earth in a Small Pot
Tea, Calligraphy, and Social Aesthetics
  • Tea culture as relational art; slow looking; public humanities.
  • Sessions for museums, schools, and community hubs.
  • Optional pairing with exhibitions and readings.
Open Parameters
Curatorial & Education
  • Site‑specific exhibitions with local archives and collections.
  • Educator guides and intergenerational learning activities.
  • Volunteer & docent training for sustainable impact.

Workshops

We tailor workshops for museums, universities, cultural centers, and community groups. Sample modules include: Brush Basics & Mindfulness; Landscapes & American Places; Calligraphy & Poetry; Ink + Color; and Curating Literati Aesthetics today.

Chinese Brush & Mindfulness Workshop (UMKC)

UMKC Chinese Brush Workshop, 2025. Introduced literati aesthetics as reflective practice and embodied cultural knowledge. Students explored brush control, ink values, and meditative observation.

UMKC workshop—students practicing
UMKC workshop—demo on board
UMKC workshop—lecture view
UMKC workshop—close demo

News & Press

The Unique Path of Literati Aesthetics Across Cultures
California Gazette
External link
An Extraordinary Tour of Art: The Journey of Jingwei Zeng
San Francisco Post
External link
Artron Chinese Interview (2025)
Artron
External link

Partners & Venues

Collaborative programs with museums, galleries, universities, and community organizations across the U.S. & Asia. Select partners & hosts include:

Contact

General Inquiries & Partnerships

Email: hello@centerforasianarts.org

Media: media@centerforasianarts.org

Programming: programs@centerforasianarts.org

Mailing: San Francisco, CA • Kansas City, MO/KS