Free Lantern Making Workshops

In partnership with the Chinatown BIA and OCAD University and lead artist PUFF Paddy, The STEPS Initiative is producing a large-scale lantern installation at the Dragon City Mall! Leading to the installation, we welcome members of the Chinatown community and beyond to explore a contemporary approach to the ancient art of paper lantern making. We will be hosting a series of free, intergenerational workshops where participants will create one-of-a-kind lanterns to be showcased as a part of the larger installation. As an intergenerational arts program, there will be introductory as well as advanced activities for participants of all ages. Don't forget to join us for the unveiling celebration to celebrate Lunar New Year 2020!

Saturday, January 11th, 2020, 9:30am-12:30pm: Chinese Gospel Church (444 Dundas St. W)

Monday, January 13th, 2020, 4pm- 7pm: Cecil Community Centre (58 Cecil St)

Saturday, January 18th, 2020, 1:30pm-4:30pm: Cecil Community Centre (58 Cecil St)

Tuesday, January 21st, 2020, 5pm-8pm: Tea Base (Unit C15, Chinatown Centre. 222 Spadina Ave)

Saturday, January 25th, 2020, 12pm: Unveiling Celebration! Dragon City Mall (280 Spadina Ave)

Introductory Sectional Program (ages: 6 - 99 years old) - Kids attending this sectional workshop are required to have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Parents are encouraged to take part and have fun too! The activity requires participants to fold, draw, cut and paste to decorate their paper lantern. Approximately 15- 30 minutes from start to completion.

Advanced Sectional Program (ages: 13 - 99 years old) - Teens and adults are welcome, and anyone who feels confident enough to take part in the activity. In the advanced program, participants will learn how to create a paper lantern from scratch. This program involves measuring, cutting, folding, glueing, and a variety of decorative techniques. Approximately 30- 60 minutes from start to completion.

There will be extra assistance and translation into Cantonese and/or Mandarin for instructions throughout the workshops. As the workshops are free with limited capacity for each location, please kindly only register for a workshop you are available to attend.

PUFF Paddy is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist and arts educator. Paddy the 'Craft Master' is known for creating whimsical, large-scale installations using paper and magical materials. In recent years, their practice has focused largely on community arts and providing inclusive programming, primarily for youth. Working with VIBE Arts, AGO Youth: Free After Three, Xpace Cultural Centre, Design Exchange, and more, Paddy is helping to transform the landscape of Toronto’s community arts scene.

We look forward to seeing you soon! For more information about the workshops, please email renee@stepsinitiative.com.