Expats make their own 'Bing Dwen Dwen' with clay

Shalini Sehgal (L) from India, Michael Williams (C) from the United States, and Renee Connors from the United States pose for a photo with a "Bing Dwen Dwen" figurine they made with clay during an online class given by the Hongshan International Service Center (HISC) on Sunday night. Under the guidance of clay sculpture artist Zhang Dengfeng, 14 participants from 11 different countries made their own “Bing Dwen Dwen” figurines, the mascot for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. The center has been offering free online and offline Chinese culture classes since April. Photos courtesy of HISC

Fourteen participants from 10 different countries made their own “Bing Dwen Dwen” figurines with clay during a free online class given by the Hongshan International Service Center on Sunday night, while more than 700 people watched online, delighted with their Chinese culture acquisition.

The center in Minzhi Subdistrict has been offering free online and offline Chinese culture classes since April, seeking to build an international neighborhood and create a multicultural atmosphere. Activities like this, making the mascot for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games through an ancient Chinese folk art, are designed to enhance the understanding of Chinese culture as well as promote cultural exchanges between China and overseas countries.

Clay sculpture artist Zhang Dengfeng (R) and host Lu Lingli are seen during the class. 

After all participants showed up on Zoom, clay sculpture artist Zhang Dengfeng, who has been practicing the art for over 40 years and given lectures on the theme to more than 100,000 people, showcased a Monkey King figurine made with clay.

Recognizing that it was the character from the Chinese classic story “Journey to the West,” participants became eager to know more about the art of clay sculpture.

Ali Shafi (L) from Pakistan, Zik (C) from Nigeria and Alka Gupa from India pose for a photo with a "Bing Dwen Dwen" figurine they made with clay during an online class given by the Hongshan International Service Center (HISC) on Sunday night.

Before teaching the techniques of clay sculpture step by step, Zhang introduced the history and applications of the art form.

When their art work took form, many felt a sense of satisfaction as well as gratefulness. Eva Verstraelen from Belgium said it is an excellent experience and she spent wonderful creative time during the class.

“A little messy, but happy for my first time,”Renee Connors from the United States said after finishing her work. She also expressed gratitude towards the organizer and said she looked forward to taking part in next month’s event.

The  "Bing Dwen Dwen" figurine made by Jennifer Cass from the United Kingdom (L) and the work of Eva Verstraelen from Belgium.