I’m thrilled to share the wonderful news that my student, Ye Jin, has had her beautiful pencil drawing selected for the Amity Visual Arts 7–12 Art Exhibition at the Woodbridge Library (November 6–December 3, 2025). The reception will be held on December 1, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.

Ye Jin has been one of my online class students, and our journey together goes back a long way — I first met her when she was only five years old. Even at that young age, she showed a special sensitivity and curiosity toward art, always paying attention to the subtle details that make a drawing come alive. Watching her artistic development through the years has been one of the greatest joys of teaching.

Her recent pencil drawing, now exhibited at the Woodbridge Library, is a wonderful example of her growing ability to observe, express, and refine. Through her work, she demonstrates not only technical skill but also a quiet maturity and emotional depth that continue to surprise and move me.

This exhibition is also a personal reminder of how meaningful online art education can be. Ye Jin has shown me that, even from a distance, it is entirely possible to build real artistic connection and growth. Her dedication, openness to feedback, and consistent effort prove that creativity knows no boundaries — not even the virtual ones.
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I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to witness her progress and to share in her achievements. Congratulations, Ye Jin — your hard work and spirit shine brightly, and I am so proud of all you have accomplished.

The artwork selected for this exhibition is the pencil drawing shown at the top left of the image, marked with a red border. Centered on a still-life theme, it captures the textures of glass, fabric, and fruit with remarkable sensitivity. Through careful use of light and shadow, Ye Jin creates a sense of depth and quiet atmosphere, revealing not only her keen observation skills but also her ability to convey mood and presence within a simple arrangement.

Gratitude to the Chinese American Museum for the 2025 Student Art Competition

We are truly grateful to the Chinese American Museum in Washington, DC for hosting the 2025 Student Art Competition: Reparative & Regenerative, a meaningful opportunity for students across the U.S. from grades 1 through 12.

This year’s theme, “Reparative & Regenerative,” encouraged young artists to explore how art can play a role in healing a world faced with environmental crises and social divides. The prompt invited students to reflect on deep questions: What is reparative? How can we mend what has been broken? How can we foster growth and repair within ourselves, our communities, and our environments?

Each submission was a heartfelt and creative response to these questions, offering a glimpse into the thoughts and hopes of the next generation.

We are honored to have been part of this inspiring competition, and we extend our sincere thanks to the Chinese American Museum for creating a platform that uplifts young voices and encourages reflection through art.
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Thank you for believing in the power of creativity to inspire change and renewal.

We’re excited to share some wonderful news—Sophia has been awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Student Art Competition hosted by the Chinese American Museum in Washington, DC.

Out of numerous submissions from across the country, Sophia’s artwork stood out for its creativity and expressive power, earning her this meaningful recognition.
In celebration of this achievement, Sophia’s piece will be part of the Museum’s fall exhibition, scheduled for September 2025. The exhibit will be open to all museum visitors, offering Sophia a truly special opportunity to share her work with the public.

We are currently preparing to frame and safely ship her artwork to the Museum. Even though not everyone will be able to see it in person, the care, effort, and heart behind her creation will surely shine through on the gallery wall.
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Congratulations, Sophia!

We’re so proud of your growth as an artist and look forward to seeing where your creativity takes you next.

Artwork Description – “Together for Our Earth”
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In response to the prompt about healing and regeneration through art, this piece titled “Together for Our Earth” illustrates how unity and collective care can help repair a broken world.
The artwork shows hands of different skin tones gently holding a divided Earth. One side of the Earth depicts pollution, smoke, and environmental damage, while the other side is filled with clear skies, fluffy clouds, and swimming fish—symbols of hope and restoration.
Beneath the hands are visual elements from different parts of life and nature: a candle, the sun, trees, a sunflower, and dandelions. These represent diversity, daily life, and the natural cycles of renewal and growth.
By visually contrasting destruction and healing, the artist invites viewers to reflect on how we can mend what has been broken—within our environment, our communities, and ourselves. The act of holding the Earth together with care suggests that regeneration is possible when we join hands across differences.
This thoughtful and symbolic work beautifully communicates a young artist’s deep awareness of today’s challenges and the possibility of a hopeful future through unity and creativity.

Today, I received an exciting email: one of my students has been honored with an award.

This isn’t the first time, and I am truly grateful that such messages come to me often—because my students are achieving wonderful things. I can’t help but feel incredibly proud of them.

I will share more details about the result soon. But for now, I just want to take a moment to reflect on what makes these moments special.

In my teaching, I always encourage students to take on as many challenges as they can—not as pressure or stress, but as opportunities to grow, explore, and enjoy the process. I try to help them approach each challenge with curiosity and excitement, so that the motivation comes from within.
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To all of my students who continue to give their best: thank you. Your effort, passion, and courage inspire me every day.
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The "I Am Texas" contest invites students from across Texas  and other states who love Texas to share their personal stories and artistic interpretations that reflect their experiences and connections to the Lone Star State. Through this platform, young writers and artists contribute to preserving and celebrating Texas's rich cultural heritage.

​We are incredibly proud to announce that three of our talented young artists--Iris, Sophia, and Albert—have been selected as semi-finalists in the 20245 I Am Texas Art Contest. This prestigious competition celebrates Texas heritage through the eyes of its youngest citizens, and these students have risen to the challenge with creativity, research, and heart.

​In the world of children’s art, color speaks louder than words. From the trauma of war to the healing power of love, these young artists shared powerful messages through paint, pencil, and imagination. 

1. Colors After the War

​Artist Statement:
The rainbow covers the war. It’s scary, but we can smile again. The flowers are happy, and my friends are here. I hope peace comes.

2. Left and Right, Together

​Artist Statement:
Sometimes people fight about left and right. But I think both sides can live in the same world like yin and yang.

Roots of Hope

​Artist Statement:
Even if the ground is broken, the tree still grows. The flowers come out from dark places. I believe nature is strong.

​4. We Hold the Future

​Artist Statement:
Our hands are holding Earth. One side is dark and the other is bright. We can choose to care, and make the world happy again.

5. Fixing the Past

​Artist Statement:
I imagine healing broken people with care and study. The cracks don’t mean the end. We can learn, and help others feel whole again.

6. Falling Star

​Artist Statement:
The starfish is falling from the city into a dirty ocean. I want people to stop hurting nature before everything beautiful is lost.

7. Key to the Heart

​Artist Statement:
Love can unlock a broken heart. If we share kindness and care, the world will be a better place. That’s what I want to do.

These works remind us that children see the world clearly—often with a mix of sorrow and hope. Their ability to imagine healing, connection, and peace through visual storytelling is powerful and moving. We can learn much from listening to the youngest voices among us.