World Tour of Pressed Flower Exhibition Arrives in Chch!

The World Tour of Shan Shan Shiao’s Pressed Flower Exhibition opened on 28th November at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch. The special guests who were invited to cut the ribbon were Curator Venerable Abbess Manshin, Artist Ms. Shan Shan Shiao, representative of the Minister of Ethnic Affairs Hon. Pansy Wong, National MP Ms. Nicky Wagner, Labour MP Hon. Lianne Dalziel, Labour MP Mr. Brendon Burns and BLIA Consultant Mr. Ron Wright.

Also present for the opening ceremony were: Ikebana President Mr. Fred Hollingworth, Overseas Chinese Affair Committee representative Mr. Chang, President of the Christchurch Lion Association Ms. Ma, Representative for the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office Mr. Tsai and 120 visitors and guests from the local community.

The special occasion was captured with words by a reporter from The Sun newspaper, who conducted an interview with Ms. Shiao, and flowers were sent by Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Headquarters in tribute to the opening. The distinguished guests expressed that the art gallery has continuously provided delicate and precious artworks to the locals and have communicated beauty to the locals; bringing warm tidal waves of art through the peaceful Christchurch.

Curator Venerable Abbess Manshin expressed that art is an important component of propagating Humanistic Buddhism; and that the staff team at FGS are willing to help bring the best quality artworks to the viewers and hopes that every exhibition can bring out the melody of everyone’s lives.

Ms. Shiao noted that people of Christchurch have treated her like a family member, making her feel at home along with the beautiful plants that inhabit here. She hopes that she will have the chance in the future to return to this garden city again. In addition, she also thanked Venerable Abbess Manshin for the chance to exhibit her artworks in FGY Christchurch, and for enabling her to make so many new friends.

After the ribbons were cut, Ms. Shiao took everyone around the gallery and introduced her artworks to them. Everyone was impressed with her creativity and diligence, and expressed their appreciation for her works. Venerable Abbess Manshin and the artist then presented the ribbon cutting guests with gifts of pressed flowers, and the afternoon concluded with a delicious afternoon tea at the Water Drop Café.