The 2nd “Taipei Normal University Alumni Art Exhibition,” organized by the Northern California Taipei Normal University Alumni Association, grandly opened at the Southern Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center on November 2nd. The exhibition, open from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm that day, attracted many alumni, artists, and community members to visit.
The exhibition featured works in various fields such as oil painting, ink wash painting, calligraphy, photography, floral art, ceramics, and handicrafts, showcasing the artistic accomplishments and creative vitality of Taipei Normal University alumni across generations.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 11:00 am, presided over by Kong Xiantai, Director of the Political and Ethical Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China, Zhu Yongchang, Deputy Director of the San Francisco Office, Zhuang Yashu, Director of the Southern Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, and several former presidents of the Taipei Normal University Alumni Association. The atmosphere at the venue was warm and filled with applause.
President of the Taipei Normal University Alumni Association, Chen Liling, stated that the origin of the Art Exhibition can be traced back to 2003 when the late alumni of the Fine Arts Department, Chen Wanghai and Chen Huifang, founded the “Changning Workshop,” which has been promoting art education and creative exchanges over the years. “We hope to spread art throughout the Bay Area, strengthen alumni friendships, and allow more people to experience the beauty of creation,” she said.
She mentioned that this year, the exhibition took nine months of preparation and gathered more than ten Taipei Normal University alumni and artists to participate. The diverse styles and rich subjects of the works fully demonstrated the profound cultural heritage of Taipei Normal University in both education and art.
President Chen revealed in an interview with Da Ji Yuan that the Alumni Association plans to make the Art Exhibition a biennial cultural event and introduce interactive forms such as photography competitions and live creations to “bring art into life and make it a mutual aesthetic experience for alumni and the community.”
Director Kong Xiantai, speaking as a Taipei Normal University doctoral student, expressed, “Seeing activities of my alma mater in a foreign land is particularly moving, as it demonstrates the fusion of education and aesthetics.”
Deputy Director Zhu Yongchang praised, “Taipei Normal University alumni have not only nurtured talents but also continuously enriched social culture through art, which is admirable.” Director Zhuang Yashu also lauded the Taipei Normal University Alumni Association exhibition, enhancing the artistry of the Overseas Chinese Education Center and “bringing the brilliance of Taiwan’s art to shine overseas, not only connecting the overseas Chinese community but also letting the light of Taiwanese art continue to illuminate the Bay Area.”
In the afternoon, the event centered around “Let’s Play with Ink Wash Painting” attracted a crowd with the scent of ink wafting in the air. Calligraphy teachers vividly explained and led the audience to experience the basics of calligraphy, demonstrating brushwork, seal carving, and stamping techniques, sparking the interest of many beginners.
Following that, calligrapher Teacher Cai Hongkai took the stage to write the phrase “Everywhere in the Spring City blooms flowers,” while painter Chen Huifang incorporated poetry into her artwork, and floral artist Chen Jingxiu interpreted the poetic theme through floral arrangements. Poetry, calligraphy, painting, and flowers intertwined, creating a scene akin to a world of poetry and painting.
The highlight of the event was the calligraphy competition, where fifteen contestants wrote the four-character phrase “Honesty, Integrity, Diligence, and Simplicity,” with strokes ranging from vigorous to delicate, prompting the audience to snap photos for keepsakes. The judging panel selected the top three winners, with Teacher Cai Hongkai personally awarding them calligraphy works, amid applause and laughter.
During the exhibition, several exhibitors shared their creative inspirations. Alumni Qiu Wenyen, with a background in social work, created eco-friendly sculptures from discarded materials, advocating for resource conservation and environmental protection. Alumnus’ son and 11th-grade student Wu Zhipin created jellyfish paintings predominantly in red, symbolizing vitality and freedom, showcasing the unique interpretations of the new generation towards art.
The organizers emphasized that the Art Exhibition is not only a continuation of alumni friendship but also an important platform for cultural exchanges in the Bay Area. They plan to continue holding the event in the future, integrating more interactive forms to perpetuate the spirit of the school motto “Honesty, Integrity, Diligence, and Simplicity” overseas and keep the light of Taiwanese art shining on the Bay Area. ◇