The ancient art of Chinese brush painting is centuries old. Prescribing to strict techniques, styles and methods it is often a combination of beautiful painting, calligraphy and poetry. Some people describe Chinese paintings in this way, “in the paintings there are poems, and in the poems there are paintings.” The collection of over thirty years of magnificent paintings by artist Betty Liu being shown at the Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom epitomizes this superb art form. The exhibit, “Way of the Brush: Chinese Brush Painting”, will be open July 16 through September 2.
Artist Betty Liu has been painting in this dramatic style since the 1970’s in her native Taiwan and later in the Philippines. Her work has been collected by notables such as Imelda Marcos, and has received international awards and shown internationally. Mrs. Liu is also a popular teacher of brush painting as well as classical piano in the Sacramento area and recently has shown her work in exhibitions at the Sacramento Fine Art Center and the California State Capitol. She has taught for the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department for 14 years and is currently teaching at 48 Natoma. Her work beautifully captures the marriage of music and painting; two of her greatest joys.
The public is invited to attend a fabulous opening reception for the exhibit on Friday, July 16, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Gallery at 48 Natoma. The reception will include wine, refreshments and feature live Chinese instrumental “Gu-Zheng” music.
During this same time in the Community Gallery at 48Natoma, the Annual 48 Natoma Student Show will feature student’s work in classes taught by Mrs. Liu as well as other adult art classes taught at the center. This exhibit will be on display from July 8 to August 26
The artists’ reception and the exhibit are free and open to the public and art is available for purchase. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm with additional hours on some week nights and Saturdays. Please call the gallery for holiday, evening and weekend hours. Special group and free school tours can be arranged by appointment.
To request additional gallery information, or to schedule a tour, please contact the gallery coordinator, Cindy Abraham, (916) 351-3506, or cabraham@folsom.ca.us.