A Long Letter from Iran: A Mother Reaches Across the World So Her Child's Art Can Be Seen

Five days ago, we received an email from Iran.

A mother in Iran had found our youth Chinese zodiac art activity through an online search. She hoped her daughter could take part, share her artwork, and get to know different cultures.

In her letter, she described her ongoing efforts to support her daughter's love of art. Despite the distance between us, we understood that feeling: when children love something, parents do everything they can to find another door for them to open.

Preparations for the Year of the Sheep zodiac painting activity are moving steadily forward. Teachers and volunteers on the organizing committee are making time in their busy lives to bring posters to community centres, libraries, schools, and art studios.

We have received appreciative looks and warm encouragement, along with some puzzled questions: from the Year of the Dragon to today, this is already the fourth zodiac painting competition. Why do you keep going? Why devote so much personal time and energy? What sustains the conviction and determination behind all this unpaid work?

I think this mother's letter offers the best answer. Every poster we distribute, every invitation we send, and every family we reach reflects our hope of crossing mountains and seas to respond to children's love of painting.

How far can an art activity centred on the Chinese zodiac reach? We want to keep finding out. We hope more children can meet through their drawings, share their lives, and show their creations, while bringing Chinese zodiac culture to life through different imaginations. That is why we are willing to keep working.

For a child living in Iran, a Chinese Year of the Sheep activity can inspire her art. In turn, the sheep she sees, and the colours and landscapes familiar to her, may offer us new ways of seeing.

This mother's long letter moved us deeply. As parents ourselves, we understand the care and effort behind her words. It has also prompted us to consider creating an international zodiac art exchange and exhibition channel, giving art enthusiasts from more places an opportunity to share their work.

A sheep can appear on the drawing paper of children in different countries. We look forward to seeing those differences, and to hearing about the lives and stories behind the pictures.