In February, the Greater Princeton & Far Beyond Branch of AYLUS (GPA) collaborated with Sunrose Arts & Photography (80 Main St, Madison, NJ 07940) for a fun art event as part of GPA Art Therapy Initiative–raising funds to support diabetes children of low-income families.
Sunrose is a co-working, art exchange, and event platform for all artists. Located in the heart of beautiful Madison, New Jersey, we offer opportunities for exhibitions, discussions, promotions, and small gatherings for artists. Sunrose offers different membership options to fulfill the many varying needs of our members. Our Young Artist Membership program provides a special community for artists aged 12-20 to share ideas, expand their skills, and strengthen their portfolio. Sunrose Studio is open to the public on weekends— a variety of materials and mediums will be available to meet the creative needs of different art lovers. Come spend a day with us at our very own creative nook in the bustling town of Madison!
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AYLUS Celebrates the Lantern Festival with Creativity and Culture
On Saturday, February 8, members of AYLUS (Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States) gathered for a vibrant and creative Lantern Festival celebration featuring hands-on pipe cleaner craft-making. The Lantern Festival, observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month, falls this year on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, marking the conclusion of the Chinese New Year festivities and the arrival of the year’s first full moon.
The session kicked off with an exciting and interactive riddle-guessing game, where participants engaged in solving traditional Lantern Festival riddles in both English and Chinese. Winners were rewarded with bingtang hulu, a beloved traditional Chinese snack of sugar-coated haws and sugar-coated strawberries. Laughter and excitement filled the room as attendees eagerly exchanged guesses, deepening their understanding of this rich cultural tradition.
Renowned for its dazzling lantern displays and the energetic Lion Dance, the Lantern Festival symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits. In honor of these traditions, participants combined both elements to create Awakening Lion Lanterns using pipe cleaners. The instructor provided a variety of colors—red, yellow, green, purple, pink, and orange—allowing each child to personalize their design. The most critical aspect of the craft was the lion’s eyes, as they symbolize life and vitality. Guided by instructional samples, the children meticulously crafted their lanterns, experimenting with different color shades and creative designs.
One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of the project was covering the spherical lantern base with pipe cleaners, requiring patience, attentiveness, and fine motor skills. Despite the difficulty, every participant displayed remarkable perseverance and creativity. After several hours of dedicated effort, each child proudly showcased their unique Awakening Lion Lantern, a reflection of their artistic vision and cultural appreciation.
Parents and organizers praised the event for its successful integration of cultural education and artistic expression. As the session concluded, the room was filled with proud smiles and a vibrant display of handcrafted lanterns—a testament to the children’s ingenuity and the enduring spirit of the New Year celebration.
The pipe cleaner craft activity was part of AYLUS’s ongoing “Art for Therapy” program, which has been organized monthly by volunteers since May 2024. The initiative aims to raise funds for children with diabetes from low-income families while providing AYLUS members with a creative and meaningful artistic outlet. By fostering cultural appreciation, reducing screen time, and encouraging philanthropy, the program continues to inspire young leaders to make a difference through the power of art.
The events not only provide financial support to cover the insulin expense but also bring happiness to children through art and creative expression. Studies have shown that art therapy can reduce heart rates, improve cognition, release endorphins, and alleviate stress. Kids and families experiencing extended hospitalization go through insurmountable stress. However, kids at children’s hospitals who had access to art supplies experienced lower levels of stress than those who did not.
Many GPA members participated in the drive, spreading the words and flyers and promoting the event at their schools and neighbors.
GPA Volunteers (2/8 Art special event in Madson, 4 hrs): Chenhao Luo, Joshua Liu, Jerry Chen, Daniel Liang, Joey Deng, Ethan Chan
