Wang to showcase Asian heritage in downtown West Palm Beach through 2025 Lantern Festival

 

Hundreds of downtown West Palm Beach visitors will learn more about Asian heritage through lantern making and more thanks to Lanzhi Wang, a Palm Beach State College student.

Wang is one of four finalists out of 29 to receive a $5,000 grant through a partnership between the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties to fund unique ideas for placemaking experiences in downtown West Palm Beach.

The placemaking experience created by Wang encompasses a series of lantern workshops and the inaugural West Palm Beach Lantern Festival, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, highlighting the significance of Asian heritage.

The workshops will be held from November 2024 to February 2025, where participants will indulge in traditional paper cutting artwork, lantern making and poetry culminating in the Lantern Festival.

The work will then be exhibited in the CityZen Garden, which is located at the 300 block of the Clematis Street alleyway during the festival, which will include traditional music, dance and food from the Asian culture.

Wang, who is continuing her arts education at PBSC for professional development, created the concept in a 3D design class taught by adjunct instructor Derek Anstis, who provided the resources and encouraged students to apply.

Before being selected, Wang had to submit an application and then interview with representatives from the development authority about her project.

The opportunity to share her heritage and love of art with people is what makes Wang happy to be chosen.

“The project is dedicated to celebrating and sharing the beauty of Asian heritage and culture with the diverse West Palm Beach community,” said Wang, who was born in China and moved to the United States in 2010. “By engaging in educational and creative activities and culminating in events that mark the Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival, we hope to promote cultural diversity and unity.”

At the upcoming lantern workshops, participants will get to personalize a paper lantern with the help of professional artists and learn about their cultural significance. All necessary materials will be provided.

Individuals must register as spots are limited. The workshops will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. during the following schedule:

NOV. 13: THE PRADO – 600 S. DIXIE HIGHWAY
DEC. 11: GRAND LIVING – 445 DATURA STREET
JAN. 8: CENTENNIAL FOUNTAIN – 150 N. CLEMATIS STREET
FEB. 12: CITY HALL COURTYARD – 407 CLEMATIS STREET

For more information about West Palm Beach’s Downtown Development Authority, visit www.downtownwpb.com. For more information on PBSC’s art programs, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/career-pathways/pathway-art.