Last week, the ULC building at Utahloy International School Guangzhou was filled with creativity and inspiration as we celebrated the Artist Visit Utahloy 2025 event from April 14 to 18, 2025.

This immersive experience brought together local and international artists, inspiring our entire school community through engaging activities and creative expression. After many months of planning and preparation, this community event was realized with great success and praise.

Spotlight on the Artists 🧑‍🎨

This is the first time UISG has organized such an event, and we are very proud to havecollaborated with two talented artists, Suixin Zhang and Pascal Maljette.

Suixin Zhang, a skilled Chinese artist, led workshops focused on the Lingnan School of

Painting,which integrates Western techniques with traditional Chinese methods. Her ability to connect with students and share her artistic journey made a significant impact on all whoparticipated.

Pascal Maljette, a French painter inspired by his life in China, demonstrated his mixed media techniques, encouraging students to experiment with various materials. His dynamic approach to art, along with his engaging personality, resonated with students of all ages.

Day-by-Day Highlights 🎨

The event kicked off on Day 1with inspiringartist talks from Suixin Zhangand PascalMaljette.Students from multiple grade levels eagerly participated, asking insightful questions and engaging in discussions about the artists’ personal journeys and artistic philosophies.

The diverse perspectives shared by the artists opened students’ minds to a well-rounded view of the possibilities within the art world.

Day 2 featured artist demonstrations, where students observed Pascal creating paintings in realtime, while Suixin explained the history and demonstrated the techniques of Lingnan School.

In addition to the selected participants, classes from various year groups, from kindergarten to secondary, took turns attending the demonstrations, fostering curiosity andexcitement about the creative process.

From Days 2 to 4,students participated in hands-on workshops, receiving individual feedback from the artists on their work.

This personalized attention was invaluable, as students were eager to improve their skills and embrace new techniques. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and collaboration, allowing students to explore their artistic voices.

On Day 5, the week concluded with a vibrant exhibition showcasing the artwork createdthroughout the event. The exhibition was well attended, with parents, teachers, and studentscelebrating the achievements of their peers and the artists.

Throughout the week, students created wonderful artwork that was showcased during the final exhibition. The visual journey included works in progress, personal pieces brought from home, and collaborative projects inspired by the artists’ teachings. The exhibition highlighted the creativity and talent of our students while celebrating the fusion of artistic styles.

Student Testimonials:

Before and After the Experience

Students shared their excitement about the event and the skills they gained. Steffi from Year 8 remarked, “I learned so many new skills from the artists’ experiences, and I can improve my art skills.”

Rachel from Year 11 noted, “This experience taught me how to use materials in different ways and express different textures and shapes.” Margo from Year 9 was really impressed with how organized this event was.

Others, like Xoraya from Year 7, highlighted the enjoyment of learning from artists with diverse backgrounds, saying, “I found it fun to learn about different styles and perspectives.” Shanay from Year 8 appreciated understanding the experiences of different artists, saying, “I think this activity was great because I got to learn different artistic perspectives.“

Impact on School Culture and Looking Ahead

The Artist Visit Utahloy event has had a profound impact on the school culture, igniting apassion for art among students and community members alike. The connections made betweenstudents and artists have fostered a sense of community and collaboration, encouraging studentsto further explore their interests in the arts. The event has opened doors for future artisticendeavors. The positive feedback from parents and staff indicates a desire to continue thistradition, building on the success of this year’s event.

As we reflect on the remarkable experiences of Artist Visit Utahloy 2025, we have alreadyreceived numerous suggestions and ideas for next year. The enthusiasm generated by this eventencourages us to consider even more opportunities for our students to engage with the arts andconnect with talented artists from around the world.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, from the organizing team to the participating artists. Special appreciation goes to our parent volunteers and UPTA members who helped with various aspects of the event. We look forward to further enriching our school community with creativity and artistic exploration in the years to come!