Some November Events

Mark your calendars. Dr. George Koo will join us on November 23rd at St. Jude's in Cupertino, 6:15 to discuss how President Obama can leave a lasting legacy by engaging with China. On either side of his fascinating talk, here are some other interesting events around town:

The Him Mark Lai Learning Center is proud to host the book launch of the second edition of "ISLAND: Poetry and History of Chinese Immigrants on Angel Island" at the Chinese Culture Center, 750 Kearny Street on November 22 from 1PM to 4PM. 

Historian and professor emerita Judy Yung and poet and playwright Genny Lim will introduce poems that written by Chinese detainees on the walls of the Angel Island Immigration Station. 

Him Mark Lai, also known as "The People's Historian," was a contributor to this important book! 

 

You will get a 20% discount on the book at this event!

Event Co-Sponsor: Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation and the Chinese Historical Society of America. 

Friendship Gathering in Vancouver Nov 14-17

Our Western Region of USCPFA (specifically, the Honolulu chapter) are for the first time collaborating with Canadian China Friendship Association to hold a conference in Vancouver.  The theme of the gathering is called, “getting to know you” and will not only include experts from UBC as well as authors and artisans, but will give you a glimpse of the city—Sun Yat Sen Garden, Stanley Park, Olympic Village, as well as some of the best Chinese food outside of China. So don’t miss this chance. 

A Magical Evening with Master Mak Ming Chan

On October 19, members, friends, neighbors and colleagues gathered to welcome artist and calligrapher, Master Mak Ming Chan. Master Chan was born into a scholar's family in Guangdong province, and studied calligraphy from a young age under Grand Master Mai Hua San. He moved to Hong Kong in the 70s, where he won many prizes for his art work and became renowned in his own right. Today, his art is appreciated all over the world, from the home of Taiwan President Jeou to the Museum of Art in Hong Kong to the new Chinatown campus in San Francisco. Each of us may have unknowingly had his art in our home, as he designed the stamp for the US Postal Service for the Year of the Snake in 2001.

Master Chan, along with member Michelle Wong as his capable translator, showed us the evolution of Chinese characters through the ages—from the curvy pictorial designs 3000 years ago to the more box shaped words created in the Han and Tang dynasties to the simplified characters marched in with the People’s Liberation Army in 1949.

He wrote examples of each style, demonstrating the importance of holding the brush (three fingers, vertical), the importance of the first stroke (the dot from which the stroke emerges), the necessity of moving with the writing. The fluidity with which he worked was like art in motion. As resident retired architect Billy Lee pointed out, “He doesn't seem to watch, yet the spacing between the characters is perfect.”

Master Chan with Happy Winner George Chadwick

(all photos courtesy of Billy Lee)

Master Chan graciously donated a piece of art to one lucky winner—member George Chadwick. People also asked to have special pieces done for them. If you missed the chance to do so—and would like a wonderful art piece for your home—you can find Master Chan at 3028 Taraval Street, San Francisco. Tel: 415-682-7637. (www.makming.com)