Shiling Zhou, a New Jersey painting instructor and calligrapher, studied at the Xian College of Art in China. His artwork has been collected by many galleries in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Mr. Zhou believes that "Yi" is the key feature of Chinese painting and calligraphy. "Yi" emphasizes the delivery of a message through the objects painted, with the paint serving as the media. For example, the lotus is used as a symbol of purity and the plum signifies the indomitable spirit.

The opening reception for the Chinese Spirit and Rhythm exhibition will include a demonstration of Chinese painting and calligraphy. Cosponsored by the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience, the exhibition will run through October 26, 2004.

Image left: Spring in a Village, by Shiling Zhou, 2000.