May: A Tapestry of Blossoms and Lush Greenery
On May 3, 2025, the Washington Association of Arts and Design (WAADA) hosted the community event
“Ode to Spring” in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Symbolizing rebirth, hope, peace, joy and love, spring
brought together people from diverse cultural backgrounds through poetry, music, and visual arts in
this vibrant seasonal celebration.
The event began with a duet of guitar and cello performing The Lord’s Prayer, followed by a series of
poetry readings and musical performances that transcended language and cultural barriers.
The Faith of Spring (Germany, Uhland, 1787)
Haiku Ode to Spring (Hong Kong, George King)
Forgetting Yourself Completely (Punjabi American, Preet Bella)
April Caprice (China, Bolan Li)
4% and Mobile Art (Ecuador, Monica Sarmiento-Archer)
Chinese Poetry Rock (USA, Huang Xiang)
Additional performances included a cello rendition of Amazing Grace (USA, Rui Zhang) and
guitar-accompanied songs: I Have No Home, Lord! Plead for Ukraine, and
Oh! Red Viburnum on the Meadow (Ukraine, Usmanova).
A special graffiti and drawing area was set up for children, where over twenty young artists freely
expressed their vision of Spring in the gentle breeze. The venue also featured elegant designs and
photographs by Chinese artists Xiaoxiang Liu and Bolan Li, alongside rhythmic, vibrant paintings by Li Li.
Sonja Kelly, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art, delivered
closing remarks, highlighting how WAADA brings people together through art in an era marked by global and
national unrest. She praised the association’s efforts to connect communities through creativity and beauty,
offering comfort and embodying an inspiring spirit of diversity and inclusion.
WAADA extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and supporters.
We will continue nurturing the seeds of art, so they may blossom and bear fruit.
