In celebration of global cultural diversity, a collection of vibrant Asian artwork was displayed at Holladay City Hall in November. The event was a collaboration between the Holladay Arts Council and the Asian Arts & Culture Association (AACA), which hosted the first “Beautiful Orient,” a North American traditional Chinese visual art exhibition held by the Advanced Training Center of the China Academy of Art.

Featuring over 100 pieces of artwork by dedicated instructors and current students from the Advanced Training Center, the exhibit invited viewers to step into a rich cultural experience. Each art piece reflected the artistic and cultural expression techniques of ancient Chinese calligraphy and the artistry of the traditional Chinese painter who aspires to capture the subject's external appearance and its inner essence of energy, life force and spirit.

The AACA is a nonprofit organization that promotes and enhances cultural exchange between the United States and Asian countries. It brings together some of the finest performing artists, scholars, and martial artists in the U.S., primarily focusing on supporting Asian artists. The association organizes regular cultural and artistic exchange activities, competitions and exhibitions. The AACA’s three-fold purpose is cultivating friendships among artists from different countries, advocating for global cultural diversity, and contributing to world peace and social development. 

Earlier this year, the AACA approached the Holladay Arts Council about a partnership idea, according to Holladay Arts and Culture manager Megan Attermann. The organization was looking for a home for their “Beautiful Orient” exhibit and a space to share some Asian music. Holladay City was looking for ways to increase arts and culture offerings in the community.

“We are grateful the AACA reached out to us to open the door to this rich Chinese tradition,” Attermann said. “Having the opportunity to witness this work is so important to building community.” 

Bo Zhang, president of the AACA, welcomed a large crowd to the opening reception of the art exhibit held on Nov. 8 in the Big Cottonwood room at Holladay City Hall. He presented several awards to student artists through master artist participants and to the organization's supporting families. 

The AACA chorus opened the performing artists' section of the evening with a simple, traditional Chinese folk song, “Jasmine Flowers,” leading into a guqin and piano selection, “Listening to the Rain at Hillside,” performed by Cuizhen Komke and Jason Sun. A lively Baguazhang martial arts demonstration followed the guqin and piano performance, showcasing a wide variety of martial arts techniques and weapons performed by the Baguazhang team, Jian Wei and Teo Yin.

Under the direction of conductor Kathy Morris, the Waterford School Trio orchestra concluded the performances with Trio No. 39 in G Major, Hob. XV:25 “Andante” by Joseph Hayden featuring violinist Hannah Kwon, Anna Mueller Planitz Cello and Edward Pan, piano.

At the close of the evening, Zhang led a guided art piece appreciation tour that enhanced and enriched the understanding of the artworks. 

Drawn to the beauty, symbolism and simplicity of the Asian arts, Millcreek resident Miriam Coons commented on how Chinese calligraphy awakens the art within. “It is not just a form of decorative art, but an art form with intention and deep meaning similar to poetry," she says.

Art serves as a catalyst in connecting diverse cultures while fostering empathy and peace. The November exhibition successfully cultivated friendships among artists and united the community to share in a rich global cultural experience.

The AACA offers several classes in visual arts, Chinese traditional music, music meditation and experiencing the essence of traditional Chinese culture. 

To learn more about the AACA and the classes offered, visit www.aacaus.com/.