Image above was taken in front of Xiang Li Art's display window at Denholm's in Worcester located at 484 Main Street, Worcester, MA. Open to the public for one year until October 2025.
Dear friends and family,
Happy Holidays!
Where do I even begin? So much has happened in our lives this year.
Here's a quick roundup and some reflections I had recently.
After watching my mom Xiang Li working as as professional artist for 40 years, I finally decided to join force with her and elevate both of our brands (Feisworld x Xiang Li Art). As a result, we installed and exhibited in more than 10 places (a combination of museums, galleries, universities and community venues) in less than one year. Here's the list of previous and upcoming events. Really hope to see you there in 2025!
When my mom first started working on her Chinese Empresses collection 12 years ago, I decided to reach out to about a dozen curators and art educators in the Boston area and heard back from absolutely no one. After a few more attempts, I was disappointed and convinced that Chinese history, particularly women's history, was nobody's interest in the US. :(
Fast forward to just about a year ago, I went to a local photography show that was exhibiting mom's friend's work. Everyone was happy, mingling with one another with no added expectations, I suddenly had renewed energy to promote Xiang Li Art for the second time.
I was often told to "skip" local venues and go straight to big national museums. First I was quite annoyed because "yeah, I thought of that too but had no traction!".
Then I was given a contact at the Harvard Museums (thanks to the photography event organizer). I immediately emailed the woman, followed up twice, but there was no response for two months. It was the same all over again, I thought.
Shortly after the New Year in 2024, I decided to follow up for the third time. The woman sincerely apologized for the unexpected illness in the office that caused the delay in responding to my emails, and invited us to join them at the Chinese New Year at Harvard Museums.
We had 19 days to prepare. It was one of the most memorable experiences. So many friends, family members, and colleagues of mine from years ago came to see the show.
My energy renewed, and I was determined to take Xiang Li Art to the next level. From JMAC to Worcester Art Museum, ValleyCAST, Cambridge Public Library and UMass Hospitals, I learned so much and was able to transfer knowledge I gained from Feisworld to Xiang Li Art in the past 10 months.
We are far from what I want to create with Feisworld and Xiang Li Art. Yet in the process, I never thought art could be this transformative to an individual, a family and the community at large. 2024 has brought me closer to my own family, made new friends whom I get to see on a regular basis because of these creative events.
As a result, I had little time for marketing and sharing, and wrote very few newsletters. I want to break the ice with this update because there's so much more I want to share with you all.
Wherever you are, we hope you have a wonderful holiday and new year ahead. With still so many uncertainties, turbulence in the job market, it may just be the right time to explore and try something new. What do you say?
Don't give up too early, and remember to follow up more than once or twice. Something wonderful may appear on the other side of the rainbow.
With love,
Fei
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