Terracotta Warriors: Art Tea
Dates
26 July | Chinese Brush Painting | 2pm – 5pm | $45
6 September | Guzheng (Chinese Harp) | 2pm – 4pm | $55
15 November | 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
Friday 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.
Ekphrastic Poetry Writing
Friday 15 November | 2pm – 5pm | $35
Theme: Paper Scissors [F]Light
Warm your hands with tea, then let your words flow. After a tea ceremony and live guzheng music, poet Lisa Collyer will guide you through a writing session inspired by Lanterns of the Terracotta Army, a glowing installation by artist Xia Nan.
Explore warriors reimagined in paper and light. Ponder what lies in their shadows — strength beyond the physical, kinship across time — and craft poems that respond to colour, shape, and meaning through guided writing prompts.
No writing experience needed — just a pen and an open mind.
About Lisa:
Lisa Collyer is a Perth-based poet, author, and performer. Her collections How To Order Eggs Sunny Side Up (2023) and Gold Digger (2025) have been widely praised, with multiple award shortlistings. A recent Bundanon artist-in-residence, her work explores identity, transformation, and the emotional landscapes of modern life.
Watercolour Painting
Friday 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.
Each workshop requires at least 8 participants to go ahead. You'll receive confirmation 3 weeks before the scheduled date.
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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