Terracotta Warriors: Art Tea
Dates
26 July | Chinese Brush Painting | 2pm – 5pm | $45
6 September | Guzheng (Chinese Zither) | 2pm – 4pm | $55
6 December | Ekphrastic Poetry Writing | 2pm – 5pm | $35
24 January | Watercolour Painting | 2pm – 5pm | $55
Workshops start from $35. Prices vary depending on the session.
Exhibition Combo
Make a day of it—add a Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor exhibition ticket to your booking.
Age
Workshops are suitable for ages 18+
Site access information
WA Museum Boola Bardip is fully accessible. Call 1300 134 081 for assistance. Accessible resources and programs >
Where creativity brews and culture flows, inspired by Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor.
Pour yourself into something new. This series of tea-fuelled workshops blends ancient traditions with hands-on creativity — perfect for those looking to slow down, make something beautiful, and connect with culture.
Each session begins with a traditional tea ceremony led by Zing Arts Group. Learn about the significance of tea in Chinese culture, the beauty of teaware, brewing and steeping techniques, and the etiquette behind centuries-old rituals. Soothing live guzheng music forms part of the experience.
No experience needed, just bring your curiosity.
Explore our program below.
Workshops
Sip, swirl and stroke! Begin with a calming tea ceremony set to live guzheng music. Then, artist Jane Li will introduce the elegant techniques of Chinese brush painting, how to mix colours within a single stroke and bring botanicals or traditional motifs to life on the page.
All materials provided.
No prior experience required — just come ready to create.
About Jane:
Jane Li is an award-winning international artist known for her intricate botanical and bird artworks, as well as traditional Chinese painting. She studied fine art in both China and Australia, is a member of the WA Watercolour Society, and currently serves as President of the WA Oriental Culture and Art Association.
Guzheng (Chinese Zither) Workshop
Saturday 6 September | 2pm – 4pm | $55
Tea meets tempo in this hands-on musical experience. Begin with a tea ceremony exploring Chinese tea culture, then discover the secrets of the guzheng, a 21-stringed instrument with over 2,500 years of history. You’ll learn basic plucking techniques and even master a simple tune by the end of the session.
Instruments provided.
Suitable for beginners — no music experience needed.
Presented by Zing Arts Group:
Zing Arts Group seeks to promote and develop Chinese culture. With professionally trained teachers and students, they collaborate with other cultural groups and community partners in an effort to nurture Chinese culture in Western Australia and enhance social harmony.
Begin with a calming tea ceremony set to live guzheng music. Then, poet Lisa Collyer will guide you through a poetry writing session. Ponder the materiality of the Terracotta Warriors, reimagined in paper and light, and what lies in shadows. Explore strength beyond physical limits and the bonds of kin, whilst navigating colour, shape, and stature to write ekphrastic poetry for the senses.
All materials provided.
No prior experience required — just come ready to create.
About Lisa:
Lisa Collyer is an experienced speaker, performance poet, and educator in Boorloo (Perth). She is the author of two poetry collections, How To Order Eggs Sunny Side Up (2023) (short-listed for The Dorothy Hewett Award), and Gold Digger (2025): both published with Life Before Man Books. Her personal essay, Prolonged Exposure is published in the anthology, Women of a Certain Courage (2025) with Fremantle Press. Her poem, ‘The Grape Pickers’ was short-listed for the Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize (2025). She was a recent artist in residence at Bundanon Art Museum (2025) where she created new work on climate grief.
Watercolour Painting
Saturday 24 January | 2pm – 5pm | $55
Ease into the art of watercolour with a peaceful tea ceremony and live music. Artist Jane Li returns to walk you through foundational painting techniques, from brush handling to composition, drawing inspiration from the natural world. By the end of the session, you'll have your own artwork to take home.
All materials provided.
Great for beginners and creatives of all levels.
About Jane:
An internationally trained artist with roots in China and Australia, Jane Li is renowned for her delicate, detailed watercolour works. She brings years of experience, cultural insight, and a passion for sharing her craft with others.
Event Information
Workshops are designed for adults aged 18 and over.
Participants will be asked to opt in or out of photography and filming. If you consent, the WA Museum may use images or footage of you for promotional or educational purposes, including on social media, websites, and other media platforms.
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