The Best Chinese Calligraphy Classes in Singapore That Work as Well as Meditation
As someone with anxiety, I’m always on the hunt for healthy coping mechanisms that I can use when I feel like I’m on the brink of a panic attack. I’ve tried many activities, and to my surprise, one of the most effective is doing Chinese calligraphy.
The reason I find it therapeutic is the fact that it involves slow and rhythmic movements. I have to focus every time I make a stroke, and that focus helps me become more mindful, eventually calming me down.
So far, these are the calligraphy studios I love to visit for a relaxing and educational session. Meeting other enthusiasts makes them fun as well!
The Chinese Calligraphy Society of Singapore
— From: don.wee
Address: 48 Waterloo St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Contact Number: +6563377753
The Chinese Calligraphy Society of Singapore is undoubtedly the place to go to learn Chinese calligraphy. Spearheaded by the Singapore Calligraphers Association, this school has a far-reaching influence; it has even hosted international calligraphy events!
The classes here are very thorough and detailed. First, you’ll be learning about the art’s theory and rich history, and then you start practicing your skills. There are different brushes available, so feel free to experiment!
Pro Tips:
- You can rent the facility and host a short-term calligraphy training session with friends and family.
- Sometimes, this school hosts competitions. If you’re skilled enough, you might want to participate.
Heartroom Gallery
— From: heartroomgallery
Address: 48A Dorset Rd, #24-119
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—10 am to 5 pm
- Thursday and Friday—10 am to 9:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +6596727849
I already know about Heartroom Gallery because it’s one of my go-to studios whenever I’m in the mood to attend a workshop with friends. So I was overjoyed when I heard that it also offers classes on Chinese calligraphy.
I love that the class focuses on traditional tools and techniques. So you’ll be using paint brushes made of sheep and wolf hair, ink made from pine charcoal, and Xuan paper (rice paper). The instructors will also teach you the right posture and brush positioning!
The classes here are beginner-friendly, and then once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can move forward to the intermediate class. I’m hoping to attend one in the future!
Pro Tip:
- Give a friend a gift card from the Heartroom Gallery, and they can use it to avail of any of the art classes!
Singapore Century Calligraphy Agency
— From: yejiejie_
Address: 261 Waterloo St, #01-20 Waterloo Center
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Friday—1 to 9 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday—1 to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6581134658
The Singapore Century Calligraphy Agency is all about promoting Chinese culture, so of course, it offers classes on Chinese calligraphy to anyone interested. My favorite thing about this school is that there are different calligraphy styles you can focus on!
I recommend starting with Yan Zhenqing’s Kai Script, which is characterized by its bold and structured strokes. Firmness and grace are the emphases here, and I’m confident this script is something that beginners can master without any problem.
If you want something more challenging, try Wang Xizhi’s Xing style, which is a running script. The lines are smooth, flowing, and elegant, which means you need a lot of control with your brush strokes. Learning this is actually frustrating but fun!
Pro Tip:
- Become a member so that you can enjoy discounts on calligraphy materials.
H&C Chinese Art Center
— From: huacaicac
Address: 10 Anson Rd, #03-26 International Plaza
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 3 pm
- Friday—10 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—9:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Sunday—9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Contact Number: +6588536835
H&C Chinese Art Center is the perfect studio to go to if both you and your child are interested in learning more about Chinese calligraphy. In fact, the youngest student who ever attended a class here was a five-year-old!
I attended the adult brush calligraphy course. This course focuses on the Kai Shu (regular script) style, and I learned a great deal about stroke order, composition, and other handy tips and tricks.
I also love the Healing with Calligraphy class. This is less about the art form’s technical side and more about how we can use calligraphy to promote mindfulness. The experience is quite zen-like, and in a way, it does feel like I’m healing.
Pro Tip:
- Not sure if you want to commit to a long multi-session course? You can book a trial lesson first.
Family Central
— From: familycentralfy
Address: 298 Tiong Bahru Rd, #10-02 Central Plaza
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—9:30 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6596854812
Admittedly, I haven’t really taken a class here, but my grandparents have, and they swear by it. So I recommend booking a class on Chinese calligraphy at Family Central, which is located in Tiong Bahru.
This school is perfect for senior citizens because they’re the target demographic. So you can expect to find the classes here are well-structured, and the instructors are friendly and patient.
Just keep in mind that classes here are conducted in both English and Mandarin, so you need to be able to read and speak in these languages.
Pro Tip:
- This art studio has a shop selling works from past students. Who knows you could have yours displayed there too!
Visual Arts Center
— From: visualartscentre.sg
Address: 10 Penang Rd, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday—10 am to 10 pm
- Tuesday—3 to 6 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6562550711
If you’re really serious about Chinese calligraphy, then you might like Visual Arts Center. This is both an art school and a gallery, so it’s popular amongst professional artists. Plus it’s conveniently located near Orchard Road!
The Professional Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Course is a blast, and it’s also perfect for beginners. Even children and teenagers are welcome to attend this course!
Each session starts with a lecture about the history and technical aspects, then followed by practical tests. Since this course includes ink painting, you can learn another skill by the end of the ten sessions. That’s a great steal if you ask me!
Pro Tip:
- Don’t feel comfortable in a crowd? You can book a private calligraphy class instead. You just have to message them via WhatsApp.