To further guide students in understanding vocational education, experiencing the joy of professions, exploring career prospects, and building professional ideals, the School of Art and Design, in collaboration with the Lu Yanshao Art Institute, successfully held the Shanghai Student Vocational Experience Day on May 5, 12, and 19, 2024. The theme of the event was “Printmaking and Innovation—The Beauty of Intangible Heritage and the Charm of Cultural Creativity.” One print, one world; one artwork, one dream.
The event coincided with the touring exhibition “Year After Year: Archives 2023 – The 3rd Shanghai Contemporary Emerging Printmaking Exhibition” at the Lu Yanshao Art Institute. It received strong support from Ms. Gu Jingmei, Director of the Institute, and Ms. Yang Huan, Head of Public Education. The institute also specially invited participating young printmaker Ms. Guo Mengdi as the art instructor.
The event attracted nearly 100 primary and secondary students and parents, including members of the Juvenile Daily student journalist team and students from Nanyuan Middle School. Under the guidance of teachers and student volunteers, participants explored a unique guided tour of the printmaking exhibition and experienced the traditional art of intangible cultural heritage woodblock rubbing. With every cut and stroke, each plate and ink application, they used the simplest artistic methods to create vibrant and interesting visuals. This hands-on printmaking experience elevated their creativity from simple doodles to artistic forms like carving and imprinting, raising public awareness and appreciation for traditional Chinese craftsmanship and culture. The event also inspired participants to express cultural confidence and create art and cultural products with narrative depth and a sense of life.
Students shared enthusiastic reflections. Young reporters from Juvenile Daily wrote wonderful pieces such as “A New Rhythm of Heritage: Printmaking Adventures,” “The Magical World of Printmaking: Imagining a Life in Art,” and “An Extraordinary Experience in Chinese Printmaking.”
Student reporter Tao Lufei wrote:
“Walking out of the art institute, the chameleon print in my hand shimmered under the afternoon sun, continuing to tell its own story—hinting at the new vitality and limitless possibilities of traditional printmaking!”
Student reporter Liu Hanqi wrote:
“It is by taking root in our homeland and focusing on humanity that printmaking can fulfill its artistic dreams and inspire a brilliant artistic life.”
After attending the May 19 event, students from Nanyuan Middle School were eager for more. Jiang Qianrui, a student from Class 6-1, said:
“We must blend traditional culture with modern aesthetics, boldly innovate, and explore the new value of traditional crafts to breathe new life into cultural heritage.”
During the Vocational Experience Day, many students from our School of Art and Design served as volunteers for guided tours, hands-on activities, cultural product showcases, and photography/editing. Over the three-day event, they underwent intensive training in both professional depth and scope, helping them refine their goals and strengthen their dedication to their field. Hands-on and minds-on, everyone was both a participant and a beneficiary—each leaving with inspiration and joy.
