(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in Rolla, Missouri, had the opportunity to host the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren International Exhibition at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). The artwork was displayed in the front atrium of the Havener Center, the university's student center on May 1-4, 2013.
Students and faculty at the Missouri University of Science and Technology take in the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren.
Missouri S&T Chancellor: “A compelling call to our humanity and search for truth”
On the first day of the exhibition, the volunteers found the following note in the guestbook, written by Dr. Cheryl Schrader, the chancellor of Missouri S&T: “Riveting exhibit. I was drawn to learn more on my way to a meeting and then returned again, eager to understand and dreading what I might find. A compelling call to our humanity and search for truth.”
Chancellor Schrader stopped by another time and led a colleague into the exhibit to show her the painting, “An Orphan's Sorrow.” Dr. Schrader said she was so moved by the painting of the brokenhearted little girl that she was compelled to visit the exhibition several times.
Art Lecturer: “Magnificent work, transforming images”
Luce Myers, lecturer of art at the university, visited the exhibition with one of her students and also assigned her class to attend. After viewing the artwork, professor Myers commented: “The quality of the paintings is magnificent and the images are transforming. I was very taken by the intensity of the content of each painting. Some images are indelible. This exhibit is a powerful vehicle showing, in a beautiful way, the unspeakable.”
Her life experiences and background in art have given professor Myers a deep understanding of the unique ability of art to transcend communication barriers. “One of the purposes of art is to convey history in a meaningful way,” she said. “When stories are shared through the right brain, they are not censored. They can be received from the heart before criticism and analyses. I applaud the artists for their work in communicating to the public the voices of those who might otherwise be unheard. May these paintings inspire compassionate change.”
Reaching out to Chinese students
Due to the the Chinese communist regime's vicious propaganda against Falun Gong, many people from mainland China hold misconceptions and even fear learning anything about the practice or the persecution. The exhibit volunteers hoped the artwork would have an impact on the Chinese students and help them understand the true situation.
Although many of the Chinese students were distant at first, gradually more and more of them came to view the artwork and some talked with the volunteers and asked questions. One Chinese student said he had seen a Falun Gong activity in another U.S. city and was impressed that Falun Gong had become so popular outside China.
Another student from China said he remembered very clearly when the persecution of Falun Gong began. He was nine years old. He was traveling with his parents and in one city he could see Falun Gong being happily promoted in the park, but the next time they passed by that area a few days later, everything was gone. From then on he distrusted the state-run TV propaganda that demonized Falun Gong.
“Thank you for sharing this beautiful art”
Throughout the event many people thanked the volunteers for bringing the exhibition to Missouri S&T. One student wrote, “Thank you for sharing this beautiful art with us. I will pray for those being persecuted.” Another wrote, “Very comforting! Thank you.”
A staff member at the student center told the volunteers, “The art pieces are absolutely stunning! You would not believe how many people I've heard comment on how gorgeous they are. Thank you for sharing them with us!”
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Category: Parades & Other Community Events
