Hua Hua Zhang was born in Beijing, China where she studied as a performer in the classical art of Chinese puppetry. She has received many awards for her performance. In 1996, Hua Hua came to the United States and earned a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in the Puppet Arts program of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) in 2000. She founded her company, Visual Expressions, in 2002. The company is committed to using Asian and Western puppet art to explore universal themes and ideas through visual cross–cultural expression using theatrical performances and educational programs.
Recent years of her artworks:
Awards include:
Hua Hua is an educator. As guest artist, she teaches at UCONN, the Eugene O’Neill National Puppet Conference and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She is on the roster of teaching artists in Pennsylvania Council in Art Education. She received the Distinguished Service Award from NJ Governor’s Awards in Art Education in 2019 and Arts Champion Award Hero in the Arts from YANJ&PA 2020.
And a few words from Hua Hua Zhang:
“From my experience and studies as a puppet artist in both China and America, I have understood puppetry to be a multifaceted art form. Puppetry has endless potential for artistic expression to all ages and backgrounds. It is my dream and mission to use our performance, workshop and residency programs to broaden our students’ perspectives and open their hearts, by sharing, appreciating, understanding and embracing the many differences, and mostly the similarities, among our cultures so that we can all find each other in peace.”
Grade Levels: Kindergarten–12th Experience astounding puppets that come alive through stories of China and America with Hua Hua Zhang. With stunning visuals and graceful movements, this program presents the ancient art form of Chinese Puppet Theater.
Program Type: Assembly Performances
Grade Levels: 1st–5th Students explore the history and culture of traditional Chinese shadow puppet theatre and learn about characteristics of the mythological Chinese dragon.
Program Type: Workshops / Residencies
Grade Levels: 3rd–12th Chinese Calligraphy is a treasured art form that holds a distinguished place in traditional Chinese culture, blending language, history, and visual expression.
Program Type: Workshops / Residencies
Cardinal John Foley Regional Catholic School
Cardinal John Foley Regional Catholic School
“This program was not only well done from an artistic perspective but the artist shared so much of the Chinese culture with the students. More than a few students came to a faculty member to say how much he/she enjoyed the program. It was wonderful.”
“Hua Hua has an amazing attitude toward her art and the children learning from her.”
“Hua Hua is very patient and provides very kind and constructive feedback to the students.”