A personal experience from the Arthur Kao Art Exhibit Reception, Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander & Jewish Heritage Month.
Meeting and talking to artist/professor Arthur Mu-sen Kao, while viewing his paintings and discussing his techniques was inspiring!
Professor Kao spoke about his life in art, as a professor and artist, and his migration from China to the United States. He also presented a quick survey of art history through a broad period of time and artists.
Arthur Mu-sen Kao is a talented artist, painting in ink and watercolor on traditional Chinese topics, using historical styles of painting. He also uses more modern techniques and paints California settings. Arthur Mu-sen Kao’s range in style, subjects and color is amazing, as well as his skills.
As a fledgling watercolor dabbler, it is wonderful to view expert, imaginative artwork, such as Arthur Mu-sen Kao’s!
Sharing Chinese art at the Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos speaks to a joint love of art and culture in the larger San Jose/Los Gatos community.
It was a great idea to take advantage of the joint celebrations in May of Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, as a poignant timeframe to host the exhibit.
Diane Fisher, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Jewish Silicon Valley and Johnny Wang, Executive Director of Goldbridge Institute, both spoke in the introduction to the reception about how
art is another important pathway to building bridges of understanding.
I really appreciate how Jewish Silicon Valley is very intentional in creating opportunities like this to learn about diverse cultures.
We know that this proactive work also helps us to stand in solidarity with each other whenever either community has experienced discrimination.
Thank you for expanding our world of talented artists and artwork, as well as strengthening our relationships across Asian and Jewish cultures!
Susan Denniston is a long-time member of Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos. She was a student of watercolor at the APJCC classes with John Giannotti.
