Embracing a Noble Tradition Spreading Multiculturalism Through Art

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum (SDCHM) is spreading multiculturalism through art this coming May! SDCHM is proud to present “Embracing a Noble Tradition,” an exhibit filled with artwork of students and teachers from the Chinese Brush Painting Society of San Diego. All of these students and teachers come from various ethnic backgrounds, but have come together for a collective purpose: to capture the spirit and aesthetics of the Chinese painting tradition.

“Embracing a Noble Tradition” will be on view at the Chuang Archive and Learning Center from May 1-31, 2016. The Artists’ Reception will be held on May 7, 2016 from 2pm-4pm. This is the perfect opportunity to meet with the artists as they introduce their paintings and discuss their affiliation to the Chinese brush painting tradition.

Chinese brush painting is a highly valued ink and watercolor art form that originated in ancient China and has been preserved in its traditional form throughout history. The Chinese Brush Painting Society of San Diego was founded over three decades ago in 1980. The Society currently has over 30 active members, including accomplished artists, who meet to share ideas on all aspects of Chinese brush painting and host workshops on different styles of traditional and contemporary Chinese brush painting and calligraphy. These artists bridge the gap between East and West by their conscious effort to engage with and transform this ancient Chinese art form.

Art Demonstrations and Docent Tour:

Shantien Tom Chow Painting Eagle

The Museum welcomes back Shantien Tom Chow, a Master Chinese painter and calligrapher, to perform art demonstrations along with several of his students on Saturday, May 21 from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Docent tours by members of the Chinese Brush Painting Society will provide insight into the art and the artists. In 2013, Tom Chow presented over forty of his paintings and calligraphy that represented a summary of various aspects of traditional Chinese culture. Shantien Tom Chow was born in Hunan, China and immigrated to the United States in 1961. Tom Chow diligently studied the classics, researched and sought new direction for further development in painting and calligraphy.

Embracing a Noble Tradition Exhibit: May 1-31, 2016

Artists’ Reception: May 7, 2016 (2:00pm-4:00pm)

Art Demonstrations and Docent Tour: May 21, 2016 (2:00pm-4:00pm)

Location: Chuang Archive & Learning Center, 541 B Second Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Admission: $5 for adults, free for SDCHM Members and children 12 and under

About the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum: 

SDCHM’s mission is to create a deeper understanding of China and Chinese America through programs in education, culture and art in the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengthens our diverse San Diego community. Located in the heart of San Diego’s downtown Asian Pacific Historic District, SDCHM is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with special events, exhibitions, and programs. Over the past twenty years, SDCHM has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors, collected thousands of ethnographic artifacts, and hosted hundreds of educational programs and exhibitions. Today, SDCHM remains a platform for celebrating multiculturalism, enriching the community, and showcasing San Diego as an international cultural tourist destination.