The ‘Transpacific Ties – Bridging Hong Kong andLos Angeles Through Art’ ExhibitionShowcasing Different Talents and Rebuilding International Ties of TWGHs
The first-ever tripartite joint Exhibition between Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Chinese American Museum (CAM), Los Angeles and the Southern California-based Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (CPAD) was officially opened on 9th August 2014 US time.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco, Ms. Subrina CHOW and California State Assembly Member The Hon. Edwin CHAU, alongside Chairman of TWGHs Mr. Ivan SZE, Chairman of TWGHs Board (2009/10) and Honorary Sponsor of the Exhibition Dr. John LEE Sam Yuen, Board of Directors of TWGHs, President of the Friends of Chinese American Museum Dr. Gay YUEN, CPAD President Mrs. Vanda YUNG, the five TWGHs i-dArt artists and other VIP guests.
Featuring 60 paintings and ceramics art pieces created by 40 disabled artists from Hong Kong and the US, this unique exhibition enhances the experience sharing among the two groups of disabled artists, while at the same time brings the artists’ talent to the eyes of the public, fosters understanding and recognition, and promotes social inclusion – “Different abilities, one passion”.
Mr. Ivan SZE said that TWGHs had emphasized the role of art creation in the rehabilitation services for the disabled, making an effective means to bridge them with the community. This is the belief of the community inclusive gallery i-dArt established in 2010. Since its inception, i-dArt has been dedicated to nurturing the value of equality and promoting artists with disability in different social strata. TWGHs believes this tour is a good display of Tung Wah Spirit, which put people at the foremost.
Dr. Gay YUEN said, ‘CAM is proud to partner with TWGHs and CPAD for this monumental show. It is the museum’s first-ever transnational exhibition as well as one of the signature programmes to celebrate the museum’s 10th Anniversary.’ Meanwhile, Dr. YUEN also hoped the exhibition could boost the ties among Chinese and the local community while extending their love and care to the disabled.
Mr. KEUNG Wai Kai, one of the disabled artists from i-dArt, expressed his excitement in attending the exhibition. He treasured this precious opportunity for him to interact with overseas disabled artists over drawing techniques and other experiences. He especially expressed his gratitude to the volunteers from both nations and the family members accompanying them, for making their travelling dream came true.
As revealed by the title, this exhibition is also an important step for rebuilding the network between TWGHs and the overseas Chinese. The ties between TWGHs and the US-based Chinese can be traced back to the late 19th century, where TWGHs at that time served as a middle stop to transit letters and money back to the home villages for the overseas Chinese. Besides, TWGHs also helped preserve cultural traditions and offered assistance to transport the remains of overseas Chinese back to Mainland China via Hong Kong.
The exhibition will be opened until 14th December 2014 at CAM (425 N Los Angeles Street, US). For details, please visit https://dev.tungwah.org.hk/ or http://camla.org/.
i-dArt of TWGHs
TWGHs established “i-dArt” to emphasize that the appreciation and creation of art is an inborn right of human beings and that we should focus on the power of art, instead of the intellectual or physical abilities of the artists. With this in mind, “i-dArt” promotes art so as a means of promoting greater understanding between people with different abilities.
Chinese American Museum(CAM)
Since its opening in 2003 in downtown Los Angeles, the CAM has presented high quality permanent and temporary exhibitions designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of America’s diverse heritage. CAM’s galleries are located in downtown Los Angeles within El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, a 44-acre public park in an area considered to be the City’s birthplace.
Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (CPAD)
CPAD is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with special needs (e.g. autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc.) and their families achieve their full potential toward meaningful and productive lives, encourage social integration, and inclusion into mainstream society.
Since its establishment in 1870, Tung Wah has been all along upholding its mission “To heal the sick and to relieve the distressed; to care for the elderly and to rehabilitate the disabled; to promote education and to nurture youngsters; and to raise the infants and to guide the children.” Nowadays, Tung Wah has become the largest charitable organization in Hong Kong. For over a hundred years, Tung Wah’s medical and health, education and community services have developed rapidly to fulfill the needs of the society and to provide high quality services at low rates. Today, Tung Wah operates over 279 services centres, including hospitals and health services and Chinese medicine services centres, education services centres, community services centres that cover elderly, youth and family, rehabilitation and traditional services, whilst the Tung Wah Museum strives to promote, restore and preserve the heritage and relics of Tung Wah.
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The opening ceremony is officiated by the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco, Ms. Subrina CHOW and California State Assembly Member The Hon. Edwin CHAU, alongside Chairman of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) Mr. Ivan SZE, Chairman of TWGHs Board (2009/10) and Honorary Sponsor of the Exhibition Dr. John LEE Sam Yuen, Board of Directors of TWGHs, President of the Friends of Chinese American Museum Dr. Gay YUEN, CPAD President Mrs. Vanda YUNG, the disabled artists and other VIP guests
Mr. Ivan SZE believes that art is without boundary and this joint-exhibition can help promote social inclusion and the concept of “Different Abilities, One Passion”.
Lisa LEUNG (Left), disabled artist from i-dArt, treasured this precious opportunity for her to interact with overseas disabled artists.