(Clearwisdom.net) Organized by the Mid-US Falun Dafa Association, a 5-day "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" International Art Exhibit opened to the public at the main lobby of Thompson Center, the Illinois state government building. The exhibit displays 28 oil and water color paintings by over 10 Falun Gong practitioner artists. Four of the artists were unlawfully detained in China for their belief in the practice, and they depicted their first-hand persecution experience in their artworks.

Passersby view the artworks

Residents write down reflections of the exhibit and express their support for Falun Gong

The art exhibit consists of 7 themes which focus on the beauty of cultivation practice, the brutal persecution of Falun Gong, and the peaceful resistance of Falun Gong practitioners worldwide to the persecution, respectively. The paintings are recent works of Falun Gong practitioner artists, and some were award-winning pieces from the 2009 NTDTV Chinese Painting Competition.

Dr. Yi Liu of the Mid-US Falun Dafa Association stated: "From 1999 to today, countless Falun Gong practitioners in China have been facing arrest, forced labor, torture, and killing. Such an unprecedented persecution is still happening on this planet, and we shall not allow it to continue. This is the second time for the Association to host this exhibit, aiming to let more people to know about the persecution."

Thompson Center is very busy, and many people stopped to view the paintings. Some also wrote down their reflections in the information book. When they learned about the atrocity of organ harvesting from living Falun Gong practitioners, some cried and expressed their heartfelt wish to help.

Chicago resident Caroline said: "I just realize that I knew nothing about what has been happening in China. I want to join you to help end this appalling injustice."

A State government employee commented that the public must pray for help from God to intervene in [what is happening in China].

The Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" International Art Exhibit has been presented more than 200 cities in over 40 countries around the world.