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.