Finale Dinner!-Parting with “Loved Ones” is Truly Difficult

Yao Hong Ying’s Embroidery Exhibition at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery South Island has left the Christchurch community with good memories during the five months it has been on show. Everyone who came to witness Ms. Yao’s work was amazed by her embroidery skill.

On 26th of July, the Art Gallery witnessed more than 400 return visitors and newcomers alike, as people flocked to the Temple to see the art works for the very last time. During the evening, FGY Art Gallery South Island held a Finale Dinner, which included a closing ceremony for Mrs. Yao Hong Ying’s embroidery exhibition; to celebrate the artworks of the artist. Over a hundred people from Christchurch attended the memorable dinner with Ms. Yao.

Head of FGY Art Gallery South Island, Venerable Abbess Manshin, expressed her appreciation for Ms. Yao’s visit to Christchurch and for sharing her works with everyone, and commented that her appearance has created a crowd. Venerable Abbess Manshin also said that Fo Guang Shan South Island is a present from Venerable Master Hsing Yun to the Christchurch community; and the high quality building has fostered borderless creativity. Abbess also reminded those present that everyone is welcome to visit the Temple and Art Gallery.

Australia’s renowned embroidery artist Ms. Alison Cole said that it was her pleasure to meet Ms. Yao Hong Ying. She hopes that both of them will bring the art of embroidery to the next level and give everyone a bigger surprise. Ms. Cole also expressed her anticipation of meeting Ms. Yao again in Melbourne, which is the next stop for her embroidery exhibition.

During his prompt speech, Consultant of BLIA South Island, Mr. Ron Wright said he was amazed by the Chinese “master class” art work; and that he appreciated the surprise Ms. Yao has given the Christchurch community, and wished her good luck in her career in art.

Artist Ms. Yao took up embroidery at the age of eight. She confided that she had mixed feelings throughout her embroidery experience. Ms. Yao appreciates the guidance and nurturing her embroidery teacher and Venerable Master Hsing Yun has bestowed her along her life long journey of embroidering, and is also appreciative of the support and encouragement given by Christchurch community. Ms. Yao also stated that Christchurch city has given her inspiration which will be helpful to her future creations.

During the western style Finale Dinner at FGS South Island, Yao Hong Ying fans enjoyed vegetarian delicacy with classical music piping through in the background. During the dinner, the MCs asked questions regarding the embroidery exhibition, and those who responded correctly were given souvenirs created by Ms. Yao as a prize.

Prior to the conclusion of the dinner, BLIA South Island President Mr. Almeric Cheng expressed his appreciation for the guests’ attendance and welcomed them to visit the Temple more regularly. As the guests filed out of the Dining Hall, Ms. Yao presented everyone with a gift.

After the dinner, Ms. Yao gave a demonstration of her double-sided embroidering skills. Following the embroidery show was the closing of the curtains on embroidery piece “Wang Zao Jun” by Venerable Abbess Manshin and Yao Hong Ying, by which marked the closing of the exhibition.

All of the guests experienced an unforgotten night, after having the chance to witness master class art works and a demonstration of double side embroidery by t he master herself. Many people indicated that they will be coming back again for the upcoming charity dinner, which will be funding for the events held during Children’s Week and for the maintenance costs for the art gallery.

Since the opening of Yao Hong Ying’s Embroidery Exhibition on 28th of February, till 26th of July, the exhibition has successfully attracted over ten thousand visitors in the period of five months. Her embroidery has become a hot topic for a cosy city with a population of only four hundred thousand people.