Senior Artists' Art Exhibit

The Senior Artists’ Art Exhibit – Collection from the Treasure Chest, held by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum, had its Grand Opening at the museum on October 28. Senior painting artists from both the main-stream and Chinese societies in many cities, turned their rich live experiences into color brushes, and they sketched, outlined and drew their ideologies and expectations about mankind and the world into wonderful paintings, painting the splendid world in their eyes and showed the richness and colorfulness of the spiritual lives of theirs. This exhibit is a rare exchange in painting that is held for the seniors from different ethnicities in Los Angeles.

According to Dr. Brian Tyan, President of the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum, this exhibit showcases 80 paintings by 66 artists from various senior centers and art organizations, including Pasadena Senior Center, Arcadia Senior Center, Kingsley Manor in Hollywood, the Paramonas Art Group, the Ray Pomona Watercolor Art Class, Westminster Garden Retirement Center and the Perennial Art Association of City of Walnut. The oldest participating artist is 97 years.

President Tyan said that although there are many art exhibits in Los Angeles, those exhibit specifically held for seniors across different races and areas are very rare. No matter they are professionals or amateurs, it is obvious from the paintings on exhibit that these silver-haired folks live very spirited and invigorating lives. They transform their unique life experiences, their expectation about human kind and the world, and their ideals into paintings and show their hearts. Seeing their paintings not only can move and inspire people, is significant in education for the mass in the society, but also can help to improve mutual understanding and integration among the various cultures and ethnicities. By holding this art exhibit, it is hoped that more seniors will attend such activities in the future.

Guests arriving at the opening ceremony

Among the many community leaders, art experts and VIPs attending the opening ceremony are Mr. Jorge A Marquez, Mayor of City of Covina, Ms. Mary Su, Mayor of City of Walnut, Dr. Maureen Kellen-Taylor, a visiting scholar of the USC’s Davis School and a senior expert in Gerontology, Mr. Gan Fuzhong, Vice President of the American Calligraphy and Painting Art Academy, Ms. Wu Hua, the Director of Chinese International Painters Association, Mrs. and Mr. Ali Tam, Sr. a Chinese painting teacher at Arcadia Community Center, and Ms Lin Guan-Ying, an outstanding painter of the Perennial Artist Association of City of Walnut.

One of the high points in the Grand Opening ceremony is the 97-year old Ms. Gabrielle Boisson delivering a speech on stage. Although quite old, she still had a clear and load voice. She insisted on standing through the entire speech which is very admirable. She was followed by the 80-year old Ms. Lin Guan-Ying. Lin has worked as an art teacher for over 60 years. Her students range from 7- to 90-year old. She joked that she was still a junior in front of the many seniors. Dr. Kellen-Taylor, an expert in Gerontology, also gave a speech on stage about how important art is for older people. Later, President Tyan gave certificates and gifts to all the participating senior artists present at the ceremony. 

Sai Raj Kappari, a graduate student of USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology who lives in Kingsley Manor a retirement community as an intern, shared an inspiring speech. " When our life's purpose changes from competition to contribution, it becomes a celebration, and I want to celebrate my life by taking care of people who can't take care of themselves." Mr. Kappari accompanied and cared for Ms. Gabrielle Boisson throughout the ceremony. 

After the ceremony came to a perfect conclusion, all the visitors toured the museum and admired the great art treasures by H.H. Dorje Chang buddha III housed in the museum. They were all in awe and could not stop saying: “It’s so wonderful! I will come back again for sure!”

Many senior professional painting artists also participated in the exhibit, adding quite some beauty to this event. In addition to Ms. Lin Guan-Ying and Mr. Ali Tam, overseas artists Ms. Wu Hua and Mr. Hong Ning also attended this exhibit.

Ms. Wu Hua is a Director of the Chinese International Artist Association, a judge in the Art and Calligraphy Contest, and a member of the Chinese Painters and Calligraphers Association. She is also a member of the Nanjing Artists Association and the Nanjing Dancers Association. Mr. Hong Ning, whose original name was Hong Weizhong, is an important artist representing the third generation of artists in China.

The Los Angeles Senior Artists’ Art Exhibit-Collection from the Treasure Chest is open for one week and will be closed on November 4. This is a public beneficial and free event. All is welcome to come and visit the exhibit. The address of the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum is 170 E School St., Covina, CA 91723, the phone number is (626)281-6378.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum is remodeled from a 114-year old two-story historical building. It was formally opened on June 7, 2014. As an IRS-501c(3) non-profit organization, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum not only promotes art and culture but also constantly concerns itself with disadvantaged groups in the society in order to contribute to the development of the community, improve social stability and increase fortune and happiness of families. Since its opening, the museum has held many art exhibits and art contests for young students and autistic youths. Those events provide opportunities for the younger generations to present their own artworks, encourage students having talents and working hard to pursue artist development, and calls the attention by the society towards the various groups.