Wishes in the Moon: An Art Exhibit in Celebration of Chuseok

Submitted by Lola Nichols, Basil Marcus, and Brooke Rose

Sharon Forks Library is hosting an exhibit of wonderful artwork painted by elementary and high school students of Rabbitbrush Art Studio. These were created to represent the tradition of making wishes underneath the full moon during Chuseok (추석), also called Korean Thanksgiving.

Chuseok is celebrated each year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month and is a time for families to give thanks for the harvest and to their ancestors. Each painting is in the shape of a Moon Jar which utilizes a soft, round shape reminiscent of the full moon. The artists used Minhwa, Korean folk painting techniques, and traditional symbols to represent their hopes for the future. The symbols have a wide variety of meanings, such as magpies for good news, cranes for longevity, and apples for peace. Every painting tells a story, and within every story lies a child’s hopes and dreams. This exhibit runs through the month of October.