Performers

Award-winning artist Shanye Huang (he/him) was born and raised in a Zhuang Ethnic family in Guangxi, Southwest China, a region known for its vibrant folk arts. Huang’s work connects his southern Chinese craft traditions and folkloric heritage with western contemporary art concepts.

His masterpiece “Tapestry of Dreams” inspired American conductor and composer Silas Huff to create a 25-minute dance symphony. Accompanied by the Astoria Symphony and using his artwork as a backdrop, the Ballet Repertory of New York City brought the charming story to life in New York City in March 2009. Again, in October 2011, the troupe was invited to perform an adapted section of the ballet in the 13th Nanning International Folk Song Arts Festival, along with the 8th China-ASEAN Expo. In May 2011, Huang’s work “Blessing” was selected to be in the exhibition “On Being Human” from nearly 1,000 entries, representing over 30 distinct cultures from 50 different countries across several centuries. It was on view with many renowned contemporary artists representing five continents, as well as such stalwarts as Warhol, Dali, Tissot and Rembrandt. Huang’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions in many countries and collected by museums in America, Europe and Asia.

His recent honors and recognitions include receiving the Folklife Apprenticeship Grant, Creative Projects Grant, Grants for Artists and Public Art Planning Grant in Maryland, Foundation for Contemporary Art Grant in New York City, the United States Artists Foundation Fund in Chicago, as well as inclusion in the Art Bank Collection in Washington, D.C., and the Bongiani Art Museum Collection in Italy. His art has been featured on TV and in film; and reviewed in esteemed publications such as The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and The Fine Art of China, as well as art books published in Europe.

Shanye Huang working on his painted paper cut

Huang graduated from the Guangxi Arts Institute and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China. At age 26, he was inducted into the prestigious Chinese Fine Arts Artists Association. He had taught fine arts at Guangxi Arts Institute as an assistant professor for several years before being invited to hold solo exhibitions in England and the U.S. Huang became an American citizen after being awarded a permanent U.S. visa under an “outstanding artist” status in California in 1995. In the same year, he was invited as a guest speaker at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. In 2006, he moved to the D.C. metropolitan area and set up his studio in Montgomery County, Maryland, continuing to enrich the communities with his unique blend of cultural influences and contemporary expressions.

Description of Shanye Huang’s demonstration at the Maryland Folk Festival –The Language of Paper Cutting:

“I am excited to showcase paper cutting, a craft that utilizes familiar art materials like paper, turning plain sheets into beautiful and meaningful works of art. This hands-on activity is open to everyone, offering an opportunity for participants to learn basic paper cutting techniques and unleash their creativity by making a variety of shapes and patterns. It’s a fulfilling and enjoyable experience that encourages exploration and self-expression.”