THE DRAGON’S EYE

Official Publication of US-China Peoples Friendship Association, Chicago Chapter, www.uscpfa.org/chicago

Roger Noback, Chapter President and Editor, 630/762-8225                                             August 20, 2006

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

**Special Joint Meeting of USCPFA Chicago and Quad Cities (Illinois/Iowa) Chapters**

The scheduled venue, time, topic, and activities for the USCPFA August 20 meeting are

1)  12:45 pm, Guided Tour (1 hr.), Chinese American Museum, 238 W. 23rd St., Chinatown

2)  2-4 p.m. @ House of Fortune Restaurant, 2407 S. Wentworth Ave., Chinatown, Chicago

Chinese Calligraphy

By Pak-Tong Leung, Ph.D. (dinner from 2-3 pm, talk from 3-4 pm)

To better appreciate why the Chinese consider this the highest form of art, Dr. Pak-Tong Leung, our speaker, will demonstrate writing Chinese characters with brush and ink.  In addition, he will review the development and structures of Chinese characters, and describe the characteristics of the major script types and the basic brush strokes. He will also discuss the tools and methodology to help one to learn Chinese calligraphy more effectively.

Chinese calligraphy, one of the four basic skills of Chinese literati, is the writing of characters with brush and ink and has developed over many years in Chinese history.  Chinese calligraphy was used as one of the acceptant criteria of the imperial examination system for selecting officials.  It has long been believed that one’s writing reveals something essential about one’s personality, intellect, and abilities. Since practicing Chinese calligraphy requires concentration and mental discipline, some people believe that constant practice could result in longevity. Throughout the years, Chinese calligraphy has been developed and flourished into various styles and schools over centuries. It also has been an integral part of the history of the Chinese painting and is regarded as a unique art in Asian cultures.

Pak-Tong Leung, of Chinese descent, was educated both in Hong Kong and in the United States. He holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry from United College, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He came to the United States as an exchange student under a cultural exchange program between Williams College and United College. Besides Science, his interest also extends to many areas of Chinese culture. Since his early school years, he has studied Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting under great masters.  He studied Chinese calligraphy under Mr. Wai-Cheung Wong (Hong Kong), and Mr. Chi-An Yang (Chicago).  He also studied Chinese painting under Mr. Jen-Tung Lin (Hong Kong), and Mr. Charles Liu (Chicago).  Dr. Leung won numerous awards.  He won awards in Chinese calligraphy at the New Asia College.  In addition, he won awards in Chinese painting at Hong Kong University, New Asia College, and the North America Chinese Brush Painting competition in Chicago.  Dr. Leung was the founder of the Art Club at United College.

Guided Tour – CHINESE AMERICAN MUSEUM (12:45-1:45 pm)

                The Chinese American Museum on 23rd St. (www.ccamuseum.org), 2 or so blocks from the House of Fortune Restaurant on 24th St., is currently showing the following three simultaneous exhibits: Chinese Pavilions at Two Chicago World Fairs; Tofu, The Wonder Food (featuring soybean curd); and Silk and Wood (featuring recent acquisitions in these traditional Chinese media).  Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for Seniors and Children.

            SPECIAL JOINT MEETING:  Please join us for both parts (museum tour and dinner/talk) of this special joint meeting of the USCPFA Chicago and Quad Cities (e.g., Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport Iowa) chapters.

            SAVE THE DATES:  Sat. nite, Oct. 7, Autumn Moon Festival: The Way the Ancient Chinese Celebrated It (spontaneous poetry readings and dance with beverage at Ping Tom Park) and Sat. afternoon, Dec. 2, Annual China Symposium 2006 at Loyola University Chicago-Lakeside Campus.  (See Chapter website and enclosures with this email notice for more information about each event.)

Several Rare Tours to North Korea are offered during the period Aug.10 through Oct. 10, 2006 through the company of longtime USCPFA members Walter Keats and Winnie Lu, Asia Pacific Travel, Ltd., see www.northkorea1on1.com or call 800-262-6420.  

Typically, the regular monthly Chapter meeting is held on the third Sunday of the month and includes a delicious traditional Chinese multi-course meal, which begins at 2 pm; the hour long luncheon talk (with Q&A) begins at 3 pm; and all this is only $15.  Please reserve in advance at AssociationSvcs@aol.com (indicate USCPFA in subject line) or call 847.251.1400, ext. 0 (members have priority seating).                                                                                                                          Cfade82006FINLAemail