Calligraphy aficionados, young and old, gathered at the Chinese American Fine Art Society (CAFAS) on a Saturday afternoon to share best practices and techniques. In the first collaborative event of this kind between CAFAS and the American Chinese Art Society (ACAS), novice and expert calligraphers were invited to practice their skills.
A number of expert calligraphers, including a 91 year-old instructor, attended the event. Mike Mei, Director of CAFAS, called the event one of “mutual cooperation, practice, and exchange”. Speakers from the facilitating organizations emphasized the importance of calligraphy both as an art form and as a way to promote physical and mental well-being.
Four calligraphers at a time, equipped with their brushes, gathered around the table, on which paper and ink were provided, and wrote the short poem “登鸛雀樓“ (Climbing the Stork Tower) by Tang poet Wang Zhi Huan. One such calligrapher at the table was Nancy Lamb Fray, a novice calligrapher who started studying the art three years ago. Passionate about Chinese culture, Fray picked up the art under the tutelage of Mike Mei at CAFAS and now specializes in the lishu style. Fray expressed her love for the art, and how practicing this ancient art form helped her cultivate a greater capacity for patience.
Upon completion of their verses, calligraphers affixed their works on the wall for others to view and admire. For more information about calligraphy and events, please visit CAFAS at 11 Edinboro St. or call (617) 728-8588.
Joanne Wong is a Sampan correspondent.
