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Mountain View News Saturday, July 5, 2025

A MOUNTAIN VIEWS NEWS EXCLUSIVE*:

PASADENA CITY COLLEGE TO HOST 2025 
CHINESE FLORAL ARTS SYMPOSIUM AND 
CULTURAL EXHIBITION

A Celebration of Heritage, Artistry, and Cross-Cultural 
Education

The Chinese Floral Arts Foundation–USA Charter, in partnership 
with Pasadena City College (PCC), the Pasadena City College 
Foundation, and community sponsor the Chinese American Museum, 
proudly announces the 2025 Chinese Floral Arts Symposium 
and Cultural Exhibition. This vibrant celebration of traditional Chinese 
aesthetics, floral artistry, and cultural learning will take place at 
PCC’s V Building from July 9 through July 26, 2025.

At the heart of the event is the Traditional Chinese Floral Arts Exhibition, 
led by Dr. Li, Li-shu, a revered master of Chinese floral arts 
from Taiwan. She will be joined by three of her senior disciples, who 
will present original works that reflect centuries-old philosophies 
and artistic traditions.

Public viewing of the exhibition will be open July 25–26, with a VIP 
Reception held on Thursday, July 24 at 5:00 PM, welcoming dignitaries, 
artists, and community leaders.

Symposium Highlights

Hands-On Culture – Be a Scholar for a Day

Wednesday, July 9 | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM | PCC Campus

This immersive program invites PCC students to explore the Four 
Daily Rituals of the Song Dynasty Literati—floral arranging, calligraphy, 
tea ceremony, and incense appreciation. These practices 
served not only as creative expression but also as a way of connecting 
deeply with nature. Participants will rotate through 30-minute 
sessions to experience each art form.

Launched originally at The Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden 
in 2008 and adopted for the San Marino Unified School District’s 
fourth-grade curriculum for over 13 years, this award-winning initiative 
has become an integral model for cross-cultural engagement 
through arts education.

Floral Arts Workshops & Excursions

In addition to on-campus events, hands-on floral design workshops 
will be held in San Marino. Participants will also enjoy a curated 
excursion to the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden, offering 
deeper insight into Chinese aesthetics and philosophy.

“This program bridges centuries of heritage with today’s students in 
an inspiring and interactive way,” said Vivian Chan, EVP/Curator of 
the Chinese Floral Arts Foundation–USA Charter. “We’re honored 
to be hosted by PCC and to engage our community in meaningful 
cultural learning.”

Cultural Programming at the PCC Galleries

“Thanks to a Community Excellence Grant from the PCC Foundation, 
this marks our second year keeping the college galleries open 
during summer to expand public access to cultural exhibitions,” said 
Jeff Cain, Director of PCC Galleries and Assistant Professor in Visual 
Arts and Media Studies. “This summer, we’re thrilled to host 
three dynamic exhibitions: Haitian Revolution: Art of the Haitian 
Global South, the Chinese Floral Arts Symposium and Exhibition, 
and a solo photography show by Aydinaneth Ortiz as part of our 
regional Latinx arts focus.”

Support from the PCC Foundation

“The Community Excellence Grants program was created to support 
initiatives like this that deeply enrich both our student body 
and the broader community,” said Kris McPeak, Director of Programs 
and Alumni Engagement at the PCC Foundation. “Thanks 
to a transformational gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 
2021, we’re proud to sustain cultural programs that foster equity, 
diversity, and creative learning.”

About the Chinese Floral Arts Foundation–USA Charter

"We are passionate about a long lost arts"

The Chinese Floral Arts Foundation–USA Charter is dedicated to 
preserving and promoting traditional Chinese floral arts through 
education, exhibitions, and community engagement. Bridging 
ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance, the foundation 
fosters a lifelong appreciation for art, nature, and cross-cultural 
understanding.

www.chinesefloralarts.org

“CAMINO DE SANTIAGO-MY JOURNEY MY WAY IN 29 DAYS

April 17-May 15, 2025”

by: Lorie Veiner-Clause

PART 2: “PILGRIM PASSPORT”

How do I get started to become a Pilgrim?

Before my Camino officially starts, there are several things I will need including a Pilgrim Passport.

It’s a required document that authenticates the pilgrim’s progress.

I have my American Passport so what is a Pilgrim Passport?

After several questions and researching this subject, I received the answers. 

The American Pilgrims on the Camino has a website. I applied for the pilgrim passport which arrived in the mail. 

My excitement and enthusiasm grew.

My name was printed on the inside. Very official. Excited but questions remained regarding the passport.

Ink stamps and handwritten dates are acquired daily in the pilgrim passport along ‘The Way’ on the Camino. The foreign 
concept of this document added additional questions.

Where do I receive these stamps? Why do I need this? What’s the purpose of this pilgrim passport mystery? 

It appears to be a scavenger hunt. A Camino game with a real purpose.

Ink stamps are received from various places you stay at. Albergue’s. Municipals. Donavitos. Ink stamps are ready when 
you check in. Cafes, churches, and museums also offer stamps.

The requirements to receive the coveted Compostela in Santiago are as follows. 

 The start of the French Camino Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Sarria is a minimum of 1 stamp per day. More stamps 
are available for ink art in your pilgrim passport if you wish to add additional ones. 

 Upon arriving in Saria, which is 100 km from Santiago, a minimum of 2 stamps are required per day.

 Upon arrival in Santiago, the pilgrim passport is presented to an official at the Pilgrim’s office where the official 
Compostela is presented to the pilgrim.

I carried both my American Passport and Pilgrim Passport in the same Ziplock secure baggie in my document pouch. 
Realizing both documents are very important and need the love of security and safety.

I received the first stamp at the Albergue I resided in at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. 

My pilgrim passport was requested. 

I proudly presented it to the local French man with the welcoming, warm smile at his Albergue.

My naked passport received its first large art ink stamp. Beilari and a handwritten date. This was the first of many 
stamps.

The curiosity and purpose of my journey was beginning. Did I just officially start my Camino?

Buen Camino

#Loriescaminojourney #caminodesantiago #camino2025 #camino #caminofrances #caminodesantiagofrances #caminopilgrim 
#caminoespiritual #americanpilgrims #caminodesantiagoallroutes #caminasabuddysystemforwomenonthecamino 
#americanpilgrimsonthecamino #pilgrimsofsantiago #womenonthecamino #lamarathon #parismarathon #parismarathon2025 
#pasadenapacers #AzusaPacers #whittierpacers #sierramadre #sierramadrecommunity #sierramadrecalif #sierramadrestrong 
#ilovesierramadre

*This is the second of a series by Sierra Madre resident Lorie-Veiner-Clause's incredibly courageous journey. 
Follow her recollections of 'Camino' each week.. By the way, if you aren't familiar with the Camino Santiago, 
you will be!

S. Henderson, Publisher/Editor


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com