Spring is in the air, and the kites are dancing! On April 10, 2025, the “Paper Kite, Chasing Dreams” International Kite Festival, initiated by 11th Grader, Lincoln Jiang, opened at the CISB Art Gallery.
Fully student-led, the event combined exhibition and cultural sales, showcasing the rich heritage of Chinese kites.
Visitors explored beautifully handcrafted kites, including traditional designs, large-scale international kites from Japan, Korea, Switzerland, and Germany. All proceeds from cultural product sales went to the Heartstrings Special Fund and earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar.
The opening ceremony featured speeches from the Head of School, Mr. James McCrory, MS/HS Vice Principal, Mr. David Bremner, and Lincoln himself, who shared his three-month journey, researching kite history, visiting master artisans, and collaborating with designers.
A 30-meter-long “dragon out of the sea” kite by national inheritor, Mr. Guo Hongli, became the centerpiece of the gallery. Other highlights included the bold Fat Swallow kite and a variety of DIY student creations.
The event ended with students flying their kites on the school lawn. “These aren’t just crafts, they show Gen Z’s take on tradition,” said Chinese teacher, Mr. Charles Wu. Instructor Liu Bing noted how the festival combined cultural appreciation with real-world skills like project planning and cross-cultural teamwork.
A heartfelt thank you to Lincoln and his mother for their generous efforts in organizing such an impressive exhibition, and for donating the display boards, which will be a valuable resource for future student projects and events.
