GUNG HAY FOT CHOY!  Happy Lunar New Year.  There are many countries in the Far East such as China, Japan and Thailand that look to the moon to determine when the New Year begins and not refer to a Jan-Dec calender.  This year the Lunar New Year was celebrated on February 17th.  Many classes viewed demonstrations of traditional Far East painting called Sumi-e (Japan), Xuan Me (Chinese).  Students learned that most subject matter involves nature and the environment during painting is calming, or "Zen".  Zen is a state of happiness and contentment.  Each brushstroke is carefully thought out before it is placed on the paper to create a calm and balance.  Students practiced this style painting on newsprint and then made a painting light blue paper.  They listened to Chinese music and looked at photos of traditional architecture in the Orient.  They found their happy place.  Art Smart words were Lunar, far east, Zen, sumi-e, xuan me, bamboo and simplistic.  Here are photos and a video from this session.