The North California Art Exhibition Opening Press Conference was held on April 16 (Thursday) at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center to welcome a group of 21 people from Taiwan, known as the “Art Angel Exchange Group.” The press conference introduced the concept and exhibition content of this art exchange.
Organized by the Timely Rain Foundation, the Taiwan Art Forum Association, and the Flying Cow Foundation, the Taiwan-US art exchange activity was co-sponsored by the Northern California chapter of the World Chinese Business Women’s Association, the Taichung-Cupertino Sister City Association, the Fremont Public Library, and Friends of Chinese Special Children (FCSN).
Many political and business figures as well as community leaders attended the event, including the Director of the Overseas Chinese Education Center, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, and Honorary Mayor of Fremont, Gus Morrison. Apart from the 7 artists, the visiting group also included association chairpersons, teachers, students, and parents.
Executive Director of Timely Rain Foundation, Luo Qianru, expressed the invitation of disabled artists from Taiwan to exhibit in the Bay Area, hoping that through this exchange, more people in the Bay Area and across the United States could understand their creations and stories.
She pointed out that the artworks embody the artists’ journeys of overcoming difficulties in life, with the hope that through international platforms, their talents and brilliance can be showcased to the world.
Chairman of the Taiwan Art Forum Association, Lin Guoxun, expressed gratitude for the support from various sectors that made it possible for the artists to fulfill their dream of exhibiting in the United States. He mentioned that the works brought for this occasion were individually crafted with heartfelt uniqueness. The artists traveled a long way to the Bay Area to personally showcase their accomplishments, bringing them great joy and emotion.
Zhong Yashu emphasized that the art exhibition not only presents artistic works but also carries the life stories and emotions of the creators. Through art, the infinite possibilities of life are showcased, providing spiritual inspiration to the audience. She hoped that this would deepen the cultural connections between Taiwan and the United States, allowing both the overseas Chinese community and mainstream society to see the warmth and value of Taiwanese art.
Gus Morrison stated that art can convey love and emotions, promoting understanding and connections between different cultures. Fremont has long valued art and family values.
Carmen Montano mentioned that art is an important part of human and urban soul and will continue to beautify the city through public art, integrating art into daily life.
Honor Chairman of the Taichung-Cupertino Sister City Association, Hu Weini, noted that Cupertino and Taichung have had long-term exchanges in culture, art, and economics. The visit by Taichung artists holds significant meaning. She highlighted the extraordinary perseverance and creativity displayed by students who overcame physical disabilities to create artworks using the “dot painting” technique, moving the audience.
The initiator of the event, teacher Luo Jialing from the Taiwan Art Forum Association, expressed that this visit to the United States with many disabled artists was aimed at engaging in exchanges in Silicon Valley, showing the creative prowess and impressive performances of Taiwanese artists to the Bay Area audience.
The exhibition, themed “Love Beyond Boundaries,” showcased 54 pieces of art created by disabled artists from Taiwan, demonstrating resilience and artistic energy in life. The exhibition ran from April 1 to 30 at the Fremont Main Library, accompanied by an online auction to allow more people to participate and support the artists.
During their time in the Bay Area, the exchange group also participated in various extension activities, including visiting FCSN on April 17, hosting an art exhibition reception on April 18, a charity concert on April 19, and a VIP dinner and music performance on April 20, aiming to deepen community connections through art and music.
After the Bay Area events conclude, the exhibition will continue to Los Angeles for a touring showcase to further expand the impact of the cultural exchange. For more information about the activities and ticket details, please visit the official website: https://lovebeyond.art/. ◇