Convergence and Coalescence: The 6th Chinese and American Art Faculty Exhibition and Symposium

The 6th Chinese and American Art Faculty Exhibition and Symposium, titled "Convergence and Coalescence," co-hosted by Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and the Chinese American Art Faculty Association (CAAFA), concluded successfully on November 17, 2024. Representatives from CAAFA, faculty and students from MTSU’s Center for Chinese Music and Culture and Art Department, as well as local K-12 art educators, participated in this two-day event.

Meeting Participants

Highlights of the Symposium 
November 15: East Meets West in Art and Music 

During the first day of the symposium, CAAFA professors shared their insights and experiences on blending Eastern and Western art traditions in their creative works. The MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture, under the direction of Professor Mei Han, performed traditional Chinese music, showcasing the cultural richness of the East. Demonstrations of Chinese painting and calligraphy by key contributors—including Dr. Guanping Zheng, former Associate Vice Provost for International Affairs at MTSU and Director of the Asian Studies Center; CAAFA Chair Dr. Zhimin Guan from the University of Minnesota; and Professor Jianhua Yang from Qingdao University—brought to life the harmonious "symphony of convergence" that resonated in the heart of Tennessee. 

Visiting MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture 

November 16: Art Education Roundtable and Cultural Exchange 
On the second day, a roundtable discussion was held between CAAFA representatives and local K-12 art educators. Dr. Guanping Zheng moderated the discussion, while Professor Zhiyuan Cong, Director of the Chinese Art Center at William Paterson University (WPUNJ), shared his creative journey and reflections on his recent work, "The Phoenix Sings to Persia: The Journey of Banknotes." Participants explored shared interests and exchanged ideas on advancing art education. 

Professor Zhiyuan Cong
During the symposium, attendees also visited key cultural landmarks, including Nashville, the renowned "Music City," and historical Civil War battlefields and museums, further enriching their cultural and artistic dialogue. 

Reflections and Acknowledgments 
On behalf of the CAAFA Executive Committee, Dr. Guan expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Zheng from MTSU and Professor Mei Han from the Center for Chinese Music and Culture for their meticulous planning and warm hospitality. 

In the symposium's concluding remarks, Professor Zhiyuan Cong, representing the CAAFA Board of Directors, reflected on the history of Chinese art education and its evolution over the past century. He also shared an overview of CAAFA's growth and achievements over the last 11 years. 

Visiting an exhibition

The Chinese Art Center at WPUNJ, the birthplace of CAAFA, has played a pivotal role in organizing key initiatives. These include six major international symposiums in New Jersey, New York, China (Guizhou Minzu University), Wisconsin, and most recently at MTSU; seven large-scale international exhibitions; and the publication of five exhibition catalogues and research compilations. 

CAAFA Meeting

As one of the original founders and participants of CAAFA, Professor Cong emphasized the association's significance and historical contributions to fostering artistic and cultural exchange between East and West. He expressed confidence that under Dr. Guan’s capable leadership, the new Executive Committee will propel the association to even greater heights. 
The symposium epitomized the Center for Chinese Art at WPUNJ’s enduring commitment to cultural diplomacy and artistic innovation, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone in the development of Chinese and American art collaborations. 

For more information, contact (973) 720-2799, email ccart@wpunj.edu, or visit www.wpunj.edu/ccart. 

11/14/24