(SANTA ANA, CA) – Sweeping brush strokes infuse landscapes with flowing colors and imbue movement to flora and fauna in the newest Community Focus Space exhibit at John Wayne Airport. Utilizing the same essential techniques as calligraphy, artist Minna Chow creates brush paintings in the traditional Chinese style, one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world. This unique exhibit will be displayed in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal from February 17, 2022, through March 17, 2022.
As a young girl, Chow was introduced to traditional Chinese brush painting by her mother, who shared her passion for the art form by teaching and guiding the budding artist. She continued her artistic education in college, majoring in Chinese Language and Literature. This course of study allowed her to learn different calligraphy and Chinese brush painting styles.
In 1971, she came to the United States to expand her education, earning an accounting degree and working in the field for many years. She married and raised two children and is now the grandmother of seven grandchildren. After retirement, she went back to Chinese brush painting as a hobby, taking lessons at the Lakeview Senior Center in Irvine. Chow finds joy in communicating harmony within the blended community of Orange County through her artwork.
A member of American Artists of Chinese Brush Painting (AACBP) and Orange County Chinese Art Association (OCCAA), she learned to master the structure of paintings, control different color palettes, and use ink and watercolor to express her artistry on traditional rice paper. Fond of the freehand techniques, she enjoys painting landscapes, flowers, birds, and animals.
Humbled and thrilled to be chosen as a featured artist, she states, “I, Minna Chow, love Chinese brush painting, [and] to bring the ancient Chinese art into the modern world for all to enjoy and appreciate is the joy of my retired golden years.” Learn more about Chow and her art at https://minnachowart.wixsite.com/website.
The John Wayne Airport Arts Program will exhibit her traditional Chinese brush paintings, showcasing landscapes and birds. Selections are viewable (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B, and C and the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.
For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.