Professor Zhao Shutong, a distinguished professor in UIC, renowned sculptor and Folk Art Connoisseur, awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by Columbia University on September 18th. This award was presented by Asia-Pacific Outstanding Contemporary Artist Foundation, Columbia University Asia-Pacific Development Society (Cu-Asia) and American Academy of International Liberal Art, in recognition of Prof. Zhao's outstanding contribution to traditional Chinese art.
 |
| Prof. Zhao Shutong at the Ceremony |
Prof. Zhao is a leading figure in Chinese contemporary art. The "Rent Collection Courtyard" created by him has influenced generations of Chinese, Asia-Pacific Outstanding Contemporary Artist Foundation said on the award ceremony. This ceremony in New York is a bridge that connects Chinese traditional art and cultural diversity of America.
 |
| Prof. Zhao with Students |
Prof. Zhao is currently a distinguished professor at UIC Whole Person Education Office Art Experience Center, and has been teaching calligraphy and Shadow Art for three years. Prof. Zhao brings the traditional Shadow Art into higher education, and helps set up the Shadow Drama Pavilion in UIC, which is the first college Shadow Drama Pavilion in Guangdong. There offers various teaching programs ranging from how-to-play to serious Shadow Art theories. Prof. Zhao also generously donated 200 works of Shadow Drama, and invited professional folk artist to teach students to play Shadow Drama.
Prof. Zhao said that UIC has a unique educational environment combines creativity and international horizon, that is why he chose to teach and run Shadow Drama Pavilion here. During years of stay at UIC, he happily finds that students are very talented and creative. In the future, Prof. Zhao hopes to let more and more students know and experience Shadow Drama, and apply it into new areas like anime, movie and decoration.
Reporter: Cheryl Chen
Translator: Zhao Chengsheng
Editor: Echo Li
MPRO
