The Seed of Fireworks
A fine art artist, well-known educator.
Xiaowei Chen
Jiabao Qiao
Competition Program Instructor,
XC Art Center
Program Overview
Colored Paper Pulp Painting and Stop-Motion Animation Summer Camp
This five-day summer camp introduces students to a complete creative process through a group-based stop-motion animation project. Using colored paper pulp painting as the primary visual medium, students will develop a short animated film inspired by the theme “The Seed of Fireworks.”
The program emphasizes storytelling, material exploration, collaboration, and patience, guiding students from initial ideas to a finished animation.
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CAmp Information:
​Schedule :​
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June 22 - 26
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July 20 - 24
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August 17 - 21
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Age Group :9 - 13
​​Group Size: 8 students
What is Colored Paper Pulp Painting?
Colored paper pulp painting is a hands-on art process that uses paper fibers mixed with pigments to create a soft, moldable material. Unlike traditional painting, paper pulp painting allows students to build images through shaping, layering, spreading, and transforming the material.
Because the material can be adjusted gradually, it is especially suitable for animation. Students can change shapes, textures, and colors frame by frame, allowing the artwork to evolve naturally over time. In this camp, paper pulp is used to create characters, environments, and visual transitions, becoming an essential part of the storytelling rather than a decorative element.
What is Stop-Motion Animation?
Stop-motion animation is a filmmaking technique in which objects are moved slightly and photographed one frame at a time. When these images are played in sequence, they create the illusion of movement.
This process helps students understand how motion, time, and rhythm work together. It also encourages careful observation, logical thinking, and patience, as every small change contributes to the final animation.
5-Day Program Structure
Learning Outcomes
This program is designed for students ages nine to twelve. No prior experience in animation or art is required. The camp is suitable for students who enjoy hands-on making, storytelling, and collaborative learning.
Students will experience a complete creative workflow from concept to finished animation. They will learn to express ideas through material, movement, and sound, develop patience and focus, and practice teamwork while completing a meaningful group project.
5-Day Program Structure
Day 1 – Story & Sound
Day 2 – Character & Environment Design
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Introduction to colored paper pulp painting and stop-motion animation
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Group discussion of the theme “The Seed of Fireworks”
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Script and story structure development
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Exploration of sound and voice in storytelling
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Recording simple voice tracks for the animation
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Creation of seeds, growth forms, and surrounding environments using paper pulp
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Experimentation with shape, texture, and color
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Establishing a consistent visual style within each group
Day 3 – Animation Production (Part One)
Day 4 – Animation Production (Part Two)
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Introduction to frame-by-frame shooting techniques
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Beginning stop-motion animation
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Focus on small, controlled changes between frames
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Completion of key animation sequences
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Refinement of movement and transitions
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Reviewing footage for visual continuity and narrative clarity
Day 5 – Post-Production & Presentation
Group Collaboration
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Organizing and editing animation footage
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Synchronizing recorded voices with visuals
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Finalizing the short animated film
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Group viewing and sharing session
Students work in groups of three to six, with each participant contributing through planning, material creation, animation, or sound. The final animation is a shared group project, emphasizing communication, cooperation, and collective problem-solving.