Community leaders on Tuesday, Dec. 13, announced the launch of an art exhibit at Flushing Town Hall that connects the signs of the Lunar New Year Zodiac with the resilience, diversity and strength of the Flushing community.
The community is invited to celebrate “Flushing’s Golden Age,” created by world-renowned Taiwanese artist Shih-Pao Lin, at the exhibit’s opening reception at Flushing Town Hall, located at 137-35 Northern Blvd., on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m.
“Flushing Town Hall is delighted to host this wonderful exhibition by Taiwanese artist Shih-Pao Lin. The artist’s objective is to convey hope, love and peace to bring people together and change the world,” said Ellen Kodadek, executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall. “We invite the community to come to see the exhibit and be refreshed for the Lunar New Year!”
According to Lin, the community has been ravaged by the pandemic, hate crimes and economic crisis. However, Lin said, “Our best days are ahead of us and we look forward to Flushing’s Golden Age.”
Lin was joined by the host committee and event sponsors, including Thomas Chen, founder of Crystal Windows, Andrew Wang of Tea Plus and Alice Lee of S.P. Art LLC.
“We are honored to support artist Shih-Pao Lin,” Chen said. “Mr. Lin uses waste materials from our company to raise important questions about human society and our connection with the environment. Please visit Flushing Town Hall to see Shih-Pao Lin’s ‘The Golden Age’ exhibition, to enjoy your own Golden Age.”
Queens College president Frank Wu, Taiwanese American Arts Council Executive Director Luchia Meihua Lee and Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Choe were also in attendance at the event.
“Queens College is honored to join with Thomas Chen in supporting the Golden Age exhibit at Flushing Town Hall,” Wu said. “We are lucky that someone with his unique vision is willing to share what he has collected, for the enjoyment and appreciation of all.”
Wu was especially impressed by Lin’s MetroCard sculptures depicting the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
“Only in New York can you find art that fuses the everyday reality of subway MetroCards with the symbols of traditional Chinese culture,” Wu said.
Lin’s Chinese Zodiac project was made possible by thousands of MetroCard donations by New Yorkers over several years. Lin still needs more MetroCards, especially the white reduced-fare cards used by senior citizens. Those attending the Golden Age exhibit are encouraged to bring and donate their MetroCards for use by the artist.
Lee said she became acquainted with Lin in 1980 when she was a curator at the National Museum of Fine Art in Taiwan.
“Shih-Pao Lin’s art connects traditional Asian cultural philosophy and the emerging contemporary urban experience,” Lee said. “We can see this in Lin’s brush-ink paintings, mixed media collage wall pieces, and his transformation of reused material into three-dimensional public sculpture. Lin’s effort and passion in life and art have created meaningful art pieces that record important truths of our era.”
The opening reception for “Flushing’s Golden Age” coincides with the end-of-year holiday party hosted by the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce.
Alice Lee, chair of the advisory board at the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, said she looks forward to celebrating the resilience, diversity and strength of the community. Lee is inviting everyone to attend the opening.
“Our community has overcome so many challenges and continues to survive. Let’s acknowledge our achievements and look forward to a prosperous Year of the Rabbit!” Lee said.
The opening reception for “Flushing’s Golden Age” is free and open to the public. Due to limited space, participants must register in advance at goldenage2022.eventbrite.com.
