[Sun 4/12, 3-5pm, T!C Studio] In many Asian cultures, paper offerings—folded into gleaming ingots or crafted into intricate replicas of houses, cars, and even smartphones—are far from ephemeral. Burned during observances such as the Qingming Festival, they are acts of love and remembrance: tangible prayers that bridge the boundary between the living and the dead. Our Qingming Festival Paper Offering Creative Workshop includes a crafting session on paper offerings, with a brief introduction on the history and culture of paper offerings in Asia, our latest “Everyday Chinatown” exhibit, featuring a Joss Paper burner, followed by the ritual of burning paper offerings together.

About paper offerings: Through fire, these delicate creations are believed to transform into usable goods for ancestors, comforting them in the netherworld. In return, the living seek blessings of good fortune, wealth, and protection. This workshop is part of the @tiandiuniversalmarket 天地通用市场, a community-centered, socially engaged art initiative, re-imaginate of the death culture of Asia and Asian Diaspora.  This project is funded by A4(Asian American Arts Alliance) 2026 “What Can We Do?”  grant. If the ticket price is a barrier to you in attending this event, please contact us!