Dragon Wind: Celebrating Chinese Culture at Volland – Alma, KS

Hong Chun Zhang. Road Twister, 11 x 14in, Chinese ink and color on rice paper, 2024

Dragon Wind | September 21 | 4 – 7:30pm

“Dragon Wind” is the Chinese translation for tornado, a recurring theme in the artist’s work.

Join us on the closing weekend of Hair of the Dragon to meet artist Hong Chun Zhang and engage in a celebration of art, Chinese history, music, dance, and cuisine.

The afternoon will begin with remarks by the artist and a talk on Chinese heritage by John James Kennedy, followed by traditional music from Shangyi Lyu playing the zither, and classical Chinese dance performed by Wanwan Cai.

A Dragon Dance by students from the University of Kansas will invite us to visit the Prairie Dragon in the field, followed by an optional, catered dinner by Bo Lings of Kansas City – available by reservation.

Shangyi Lyu

Wanwan Cai

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Hong Chun Zhang and Hair of the Dragon

In 2023, Hong Chun Zhang, a visual artist based in Lawrence, Kansas, approached Volland with an exhibition proposal to show new work marrying her interests in the Kansas landscape with her Chinese heritage. Since arriving in Kansas in the 2000s, Hong’s interest in the Flint Hills has grown stronger each year.

Hong’s reverence also extends to her Chinese hertiage. Born in China, Hong was taught Chinese fine style and free style ink paining. Today, Hong practices the technique on Western mediums, such as Alcantara fabric. Hair of the Dragon, Hong’s exhibit at Volland, also includes new works on paper using charcaol and watercolor.

Hong Chun Zhang. Shape of the Wetlands, 10 x 50in, Chinese ink and color on Italian fabric, 2024

Hong makes Hair of the Dragon especially unique with a return to outdoor, site specific installations.

To lean into the Year of the Dragon and showcase her dual affinities for Chinese and Kansas cultures, Hong pitched the idea for Prairie Dragon. The work, spanning 90 feet, is made of hay bales harvested at Volland and other local materials.

Mallory Edson, in her review of Hong’s exhibit for StudioInc, states: “The dragon is a symbol of prosperity and luck in Chinese culture, and in farming communities it also serves as a deity for the crops. Hong envisions Prairie Dragon as a creature exploring the region while bringing good fortune to those who cross its path.” The construction of Prairie Dragon was a collaborative effort with the artist, her family, Flint Hills ranchers, a carpenter from Lawrence, and Volland Foundation staff- a true community project.