By Alexander Dworkowitz
A school teaching traditional Chinese calligraphy and aimed at attracting both Asian and non-Asian students is expected to set up shop soon in downtown Flushing.
The founders of Angel Eyes Academy are in the process of hiring instructors and signing up students for classes, which are slated to begin in April.
“We usually say that calligraphy reflects your personal being,” said Max Wang, the school's director. “When you practice it, it helps your spirit. You are concentrating on making something abstract, but that thing also reflects your personal feelings, your character, your spirit and your cultural background. It helps you discover yourself.”
The school plans to teach two separate artistic traditions. Angel Eyes will offer drawing classes based on European techniques in addition to the drawing of Chinese characters.
“This will be a cross-cultural institution – a mixture of Western and Oriental arts,” Wang said.
The school is being started by two friends, Wang and Randee Park.
A native of China, Wang graduated from Fudan University in Shanghai with a degree in Chinese literature. Calligraphy was an important part of his training.
“The calligraphy trainee is usually very closely associated with the training of Chinese literature,” Wang said. “It's considered a scholarly art.”
Since leaving Fudan, Wang has taught classes in both China and the United States. He plans to serve as one of the instructors at the new school.
Other instructors more experienced with western art will teach the non-calligraphy classes, Wang said.
Park, on the other hand, grew up in Flushing. The daughter of an art teacher, Park took an early interest in art, winning a prestigious contest for children.
Recently, Park has turned her artistic talents toward computers. She designs “virtual tours,” three-dimensional models posted on Web sites for people who want to sell real estate.
In addition to designing the school's Web site, Park plans to bring a technological aspect to the classes. Students will be able to scan their calligraphy designs onto a computer and print them out on stickers for their cars or on T-shirts.
“They can show their work” Park said.
Angel Eyes has already held one calligraphy class at the Flushing Library during the Lunar New Year Festival. The workshop, designed for children, was a huge success, Park said.
Wang is expecting to have a mixed population of students.
“I noticed there's a lot of interest in this area from two kinds of groups,” Wang said. “One is Chinese immigrants with their children. They want their children to learn Chinese language and art. The other is non-Chinese people. Many of them have expressed interest in learning calligraphy.”
Classes at the school will be conducted in English, Wang said.
The school will use rented space at 136-17 38th Ave. as a classroom, Park said. Tuition is $180 for 10 sessions. For more information, call 718-305-0685.
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 718 229-0300 Ext. 141.
