Korean Artists Residency Reception

Please join us for a reception with our guests for our Korean Artists Residency Program! Thanks to an external grant from ASIANetwork and support from the Jordan Endowment for Humanities, the Departments of History and Fine Arts are excited to host a Korean Artists Residency Program from Sept. 10-20.

The program will feature three distinguished artists from Roanoke's sister city, Wonju. Two of the artists specialize in traditional Korean paper-making, while the third will lead sessions on the Korean tea ceremony.

About Hanji Paper: Hanji is renowned for its remarkable properties, including durability, breathability, lightweight construction, and waterproof qualities. Its exceptional ink absorption makes it ideal for painting and calligraphy. When layered, Hanji can be transformed into clothing and even armor, reflecting its impressive strength and versatility.

Opportunities for Students: The visiting artists are eager to engage with students through workshops that will cover traditional paper-making techniques, hands-on crafts, and participation in a Korean tea ceremony. Due to the specific facilities required, all workshops and meetings will be held at Olin Hall.

A Special Connection: Roanoke College has a long-standing relationship with Korea, dating back to the 1890s. In 1903, the Roanoke Collegian proudly noted that "Roanoke College has had more foreign students than any other college in the South" (Eisenberg, p. 202). Wonju became Roanoke's first sister city, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of that important bond. We hope this residency program will inspire students’ interest in Korean culture and help renew our historical connection with Korea.