2017/12/16 – Well, this Long Strange and Wonderful Trip is quickly coming to an end. The wonderful thing is Mary has rejoined me. She arrived back in Jinan on Dec.1. And it has been very, very busy. She is such an incredible support and is with me always.
On December 9th, the grand finale took place. There was much preparation to put together our final exhibition. It was a compilation of work from the Spring and Fall semesters here at Shanyi. Originally,it was expected that the final exhibition was to be about 70% realism and the remainder abstract painting. Well, actually the reverse percentages took place. The spring portrait painting was very strong – it was excellent! However, the abstract paintings themselves were much larger in scale and the quality of the outcomes impressed many, many people, including the folks wishing for the realism work to be greater in number. The following photos are arranged such that 1. the installation of the exhibit 2. the opening reception 3. photos of the completed exhibition – showing much of the work, but not all. 4. an art conference that included the governor of Shandong Province, art critics, 4 or 5 Deans from other Universities in and around Jinan and members of the art gallery and many other people in the art world of Jinan.
I expect maybe another one or two blog entries after this exhaustive entry – however, this could the last. I don’t for sure yet, it depends how things go.
I must tell you, dear readers, I am having a very difficult time dealing with my departure from Shanyi and China. I may be back at some point in time. The Dean of Shandong University of Arts has asked if I would be interested in returning and I said yes, but we’ll see what materializes in the future. There may be some other possibilities of returning to China and teaching at other universities as well. Again time will tell.
I know this is a long entry but, you need to know that I have absolutely loved being here in China and teaching. It has been very difficult at times missing home and missing Mary and the family. I have loved all my students so much and they have loved me. These are the greatest students any professor could ever dream of having to teach. The Chinese people are truly extraordinary people. I have grown to love them ever so much, their culture, their art and their food!!!!!!!!
On with the show…….. the first photo is the campus I will truly, truly miss!
Stay Tuned………Still More To Come……….