Christchurch Walking Group visits FGS South Island

On the morning of 10 May, 2017 members from the local Christchurch Walking Group visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island temple. The group was greeted by Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) member, Jack Liu and Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Coordinator, Vicky Han, who took them in appreciating the 'Humanity and Love' oil paintings by artist Li ZiJian and sculpture artist Paul Dean's 'Contemplation + Deliberation' exhibition.

Jack gave the visitors a brief description of artist Li ZiJian's 'Humanity and Love' artworks, how the oil paintings came to be produced and also the story of how Venerable Master Hsing-Yun and Li ZiJian met. Vicky then spoke about Li ZiJian's humanitarian efforts, such as his care of children during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in the core affected areas. During the disaster period, he donated the proceeds from his painting auctions to help rebuild homes. The artworks vivid portrayal of the characters and the characteristically affectionate rural warmth from the paintings strongly captured the hearts of the visitors. One of the visitors, Mr. Robin took up on the offer to become the ‘Friends of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery' and hoped to see more new exhibitions in the future.