Ronghua Flower Workshops in San Gabriel, preserving Tradition Through Community
Ronghua flower workshop
Over the past year, Bridge Arts Foundation was honored to partner with Forever Ronghua Foundation to present a series of Ronghua flower workshops at The Scholart Selection Gallery in San Gabriel, California.
Across four workshops, more than 100 participants joined us to explore the beauty and craftsmanship of Ronghua, a traditional Chinese art form with a history spanning over a thousand years. Participants ranged in age from 6 to 70 years old and came from communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including San Gabriel, Pasadena, Arcadia, and neighboring cities.
Ronghua flower workshop
Known as “velvet flowers,” Ronghua are handcrafted from silk threads and wire, shaped into delicate floral forms that have long been associated with celebration, beauty, and cultural heritage. While many participants arrived with little or no previous experience, they quickly discovered the patience, concentration, and skill involved in creating even a single flower.
Ronghua flower workshop
Each workshop began with an introduction to the history and cultural significance of Ronghua, followed by hands-on instruction that guided participants through the traditional techniques step by step. Throughout the sessions, the room was filled with conversation, curiosity, and a shared sense of accomplishment as participants watched their flowers gradually take shape.
What stood out most was the diversity of the participants. Children attended alongside parents and grandparents. Longtime residents and newcomers sat side by side, learning a traditional craft that many had never encountered before. The workshops became more than an art activity—they created opportunities for people to connect through a shared cultural experience.
In a time when so much of daily life moves quickly, these workshops offered something different: a chance to slow down, work with one’s hands, and engage with a centuries-old tradition in a meaningful way. For many participants, it was their first introduction to Ronghua. For others, it was an opportunity to reconnect with a part of their cultural heritage.
Bridge Arts Foundation is grateful to Forever Ronghua Foundation for sharing their knowledge and dedication to preserving this remarkable art form, and to The Scholart Selection Gallery for providing a welcoming space for the workshops.
As a nonprofit organization committed to arts education and cultural exchange, Bridge Arts Foundation believes that programs like these play an important role in making traditional arts accessible to broader audiences. We look forward to continuing to support opportunities for learning, creativity, and cultural appreciation throughout our community.
About Forever Ronghua Foundation
We are a group of mothers who first met through our children’s schools. As we supported our children in their growth and education, we also built lasting friendships and a strong sense of community.
Through shared experiences, we discovered the power of coming together, supporting one another, and creating meaningful connections. Inspired by this spirit, we decided to give back and contribute to the community that has brought us together.
Our community is enriched by diverse cultures and backgrounds. We are committed to promoting cultural understanding, celebrating diversity, and fostering unity through the beauty of art and cultural exchange. By blending contemporary Eastern aesthetics with community engagement, we hope to create opportunities for connection, dialogue, and mutual appreciation.
At Forever Ronghua Foundation, we believe that art is a universal language. Through cultural programs, educational initiatives, workshops, and community events, we strive to build bridges between people, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire future generations.
Together, we are creating a community where culture, creativity, and friendship can flourish.
About The Bridge Arts Foundation
The Bridge Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to harnessing the transformative power of art to connect diverse art communities and uplift emerging artists worldwide.
For media inquiries or more information about the exhibition, please contact us at info@bridgeartsfoundation.org.