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Illuminating Connection: Burmese Lantern Workshop Lights the Way for Cultural Exchange

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Illuminating Connection: Burmese Lantern Workshop Lights the Way for Cultural Exchange

On October 8, 2025, the 71 North Partnership Studio glowed with creativity and community as the Burma Interest Student Association and the Community Health Innovation Learning Lab (CHILL) hosted an enchanting evening of cultural connection and mindful creativity.

This collaborative workshop invited NIU students and visiting participants from the 16th International Burma Studies Conference: Dealing with Legacies in Burma (held October 10–12, 2025, in DeKalb, Illinois) to take part in the traditional art of Burmese lantern making. The beautifully crafted lanterns later illuminated the conference, symbolizing light, resilience, and shared heritage. A Fusion of Heritage, Mindfulness, and Wellness

Guided by members of the Burma Interest Student Association, and supported by Dr. Lynn Herrmann and Vana Dakarian from CHILL, the workshop offered participants a space to explore both culture and self-care. The event brought together:

  • Cultural Learning – Discovering the history and meaning of lanterns in Burmese celebrations and spiritual traditions.
  • Mindful Crafting – Engaging in a meditative creative process that encouraged focus, calm, and presence.
  • Community Building – Connecting NIU students, faculty, and international guests through shared creativity and cultural exchange.
  • Wellness Practice – Experiencing the mental and emotional benefits of hands-on, mindful art-making. Lighting the Conference

The lanterns created during the workshop later adorned spaces at the 16th International Burma Studies Conference, transforming the atmosphere into one of warmth, reflection, and unity. Each handmade lantern represented both the individual care of its creator and the collective spirit of cross-cultural connection fostered through the event. Shining a Light on Collaboration

The workshop exemplified what can happen when cultural heritage, creativity, and community well-being come together. Thanks to the partnership between the Burma Interest Student Association and CHILL, and the leadership of Dr. Lynn Herrmann and Vana Dakarian, participants left inspired—carrying with them not only new skills and friendships, but also a renewed appreciation for the healing power of art and cultural exchange.