ANNIVERSARY

Chinese Culture Foundation

of San Francisco

2015 Summer
Vol. 35, No.2

Celebration of the 50th Anniversary with Intercultural Engagement

June 6 - Come Along on A Moving Journey to Monterey

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Register Today!
May 1 6 Lets Dance

Back Cover

May 13 Call for Artists

June 13 - Present Tense 20 1 5
August 1 5 - Sky Bridge

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2015 BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Gin Y. Ho, Co-chair
Minna Tao, Co-chair
Sherman Tang, President

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSAGE

Shannon Yip, Executive VP

Ben Choi, VP

Dear Friends,

Thomas J. Klitgaard, Esq., VP

The Chinese Culture Foundation of San

Francisco (known by our nickname CCCChinese Culture Center) turns 50 on October
15th this year. We were one of the earliest arts
organizations established in the United States
in the post-World War II era. The founders
were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement
during a time of change, opportunity, and ethnic
awareness.

Dennis A. Lee, Esq., VP

Warren Seeto, VP
Susan C. Tom, Secretary
Esther Li, Treasurer
Wai-ling Eng
Helen Y. H. Hui, Esq.
Ryan Lee
George Mak

We celebrate our birthday by dedicating

ourselves to innovation, and to connecting
you to contemporary art that explores the
intersection of culture and social justice.

Brian Tom
Garry K. Wong
Cecilia Sze

ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Terese Tse Bartholomew
Tatwina Chinn Lee
Pi Li
Manni Liu
Gang Situ
Pat Tseng

CCC TEAM
Mabel S. Teng, Executive Director
Abby Chen, Artistic Director
Darin Ow-Wing, Education Director
Xavier W. Tsang, Development Director
Francis Wong, Special Projects
Clare Lee, Marketing
Jenny Leung, Exhibition Manager
Gharrity McNett, General Manager
Lydia Han, Comm & Dev Associate
Christy Xu, Admin & Community Organizer
Xiaoxiao Zeng, Design

Todays Chinese American community labors under two contrasting narratives:

- That Chinese Americans are a model minority, an example of success that

challenges the notions of racism in America. This is used as a means to
blunt the discussion of race, it also hides the very real inequalities faced by
Asian Americans.

- That Chinatown is a kitschy tourist destination, obscuring the fact that it is

one of Americas oldest neighborhood. The fact is Chinatown contributes
greatly to the richness of Americas diverse cultural heritage, while facing
significant social issues both as an immigrant gateway and home for the
elderly and working poor.
The Chinese Culture Foundation seeks to challenge these misconceptions with a
contemporary narrative grounded in the reality of our life as a community and infused
with the innovation and critical lens of contemporary art.
The immigrant character of the community represents the potential of California in the
21st century. There is so much to learn and share with other communities with similar
aspirations.
I take this opportunity to invite you to be part of an unprecedented cross-sector
collaboration to re-imagine Chinatown. Our first project is to beautify the Portsmouth
Square Pedestrian bridge by enhancing it with greenery and public art. As we
celebrate 50 years of intercultural exploration, I invite your participation and leadership
to leave a proud legacy for our children.

Daisy Deng, Program & Outreach

Kai Lin Carlson, Prog & Comm Assistant

Sincerely yours,

Maria Wang, Curatorial Assistant

Janet Chan, Outreach Coordinator
Yee Hall Associates, Accounting
Yun Yuan Zhou, Contractor
Betty Chang, Gallery
Kitty Kao, Gallery

Mabel S. Teng
Executive Director

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOARD LEADERSHIP

Minna Tao, Co-Chair

Ben Choi, Vice President

Congratulations to Co-chair Minna Tao on her promotion as

Recology's first Chinese American female General Manager.
Minna's extraordinary leadership promoting sustainability
and equal access for women and minorities in high-ranking
positions sets an exemplary example for the City and the entire
nation.

Congratulations to Ben Choi on his appointment as Managing

Director of Legacy Venture, a global venture capital fund
dedicated to amplifying investors philanthropic impact. In his
last decade of investing, he generated significant returns for
investors.

Minna brings her wealth of experience and talent to the

governance of the Chinese Culture Foundation, serving as Cochair on the Board of Directors.

Ben brings his diverse perspectives as an investor, an startup entrepreneur, and an executive to the Board of Directors.
As the Vice President of the Board, he will build the
technological and fundraising capacity of the organization.

Welcome to New Board Members

George Mak, Board Member

Wai-ling Eng, Board Member

George Mak is currently a managing member at Drax Management

in San Francisco. George Mak brings financial acumen, investment
strategy, and over 20 years experience in the financial industry. In
the last twenty years, he aggregately manages over $150 million in
assets for over two hundred and fifty clients. We warmly welcome
him and are thrilled to have him join a robust team of leaders and
cultural builders.

Wai-Ling Eng brings a wealth of experience in business through

ownership and operation of McDonalds franchises. Currently,
she chairs the RMHC Bay Area scholarship program, which in
its 14th year will have given out a total of $2 million to Bay Area
college-bound students. Her significant dedication to youth
education and community service will be our great assets.

VISUAL ART CENTER promotes the most innovative artists

GLOBAL IMPACT

>>

VISUAL ART

" "

XianRui artists have contributed to the global dialogue by reaching another historic milestone. We salute Zheng Chongbin's
and Stella Zhangs recent achievements and their increasing impact on the international stage.
The vision of the XianRui series is to challenge perceptions, and encourage risk-taking by promoting the most innovative
artists today. CCCs Visual Art Center will continue to advocate for talented contemporary artists who are not yet recognized
by major institutions.
" " " "

Stella Zhang's art exhibition in Hong Kong

Sneak Preview of Zheng Chongbins new artwork exhibiting in Venice.

Stella Zhangs three overwhelmingly well received art

Zheng Chongbins major bodies of work were recently

exhibitions in Hong Kong just closed in April 2015. In addition,

acquired by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

her work was recently featured in the South China Morning

(LACMA). Hailed as the Jackson Pollock of ink, Zheng has

Post after the successful debut at Hong Kongs Galerie du

become a leader in the contemporary art world, positioning

Monde, the Landmark, and Art Central. Her 0 Viewpoint,

ink painting tradition with abstract art to steer the

which launched at CCC in 2010, brought attention to

discourse of contemporary art and cultural

the discourse on sexuality and feminine identity.

G
O
AL

UE

CO

the 2012 XianRui alumni was held in

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Hong Kong during Art Basel. His

installation will unveil at the

EM

I
D
L

A
B
O
L
G

categories. The announcement event for

Pi Li, Member of Art Advisory Committee

Venice Biennial from May

PO

9 to November 22.

RA

RY

AR

Welcome Pi Li to the Art Advisory Committee. Pi Li is a leading figure in contemporary art, serving many roles
as curator, scholar, and critic. Among his many accomplishments, he is a co-founder of Boers-Li gallery in Beijing and
a director at the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts. Currently, he serves as Senior Curator at M+, a new contemporary
visual culture museum in Hong Kong.

CENTER

>>

VISUAL ART CENTER

>>

VISUAL ART CENTER

You are cordially invited to Present Tense

Curated by Glen Helfand
Visual Art Center
750 Kearny St., 3rd Fl
Tues-Sat 10-4pm
Opening Reception: June 13, 2015

2015 6.13

Call for Artists: Creating Art and

Open Space in Chinatown

PU

LI
C

AR

"We started to witness the influx of Asian

MFA students in recent years. We are thrilled
to share their exciting work with the Bay Area
audience and beyond!"
- Curator and Artistic Director Abby Chen

Come to See Sky Bridge Celebrating Central Subway

Aug 15 noon
to Chinatown

Symbolic of Central Subway coming to Chinatown,

XianRui artist Beili Liu is returning to the Bay Area to
metamorphosize the pedestrian bridge. You are invited
to participate in the finale of her public art on August
15. Please join the action on the Portsmouth Square
Pedestrian Bridge.
We applaud Senator Feinstein, Congressional Democratic
leader Pelosi, Mayor Lee, SFMTA, San Francisco Arts
Commission, Chinatown Community Development Center,
and many advocates for their leadership.

Members of the community committee pictured L-R: Tan Chow Chinatown Community Development
Center, Jenny Leung CCC, Lanita Henriquez City Administrator's Office, Geoff Palermo Hilton
hotel, Abby Chen CCC, Gharrity Mcnett CCC, Alex Loi Hilton Hotel

Launching this Spring, a cross-sector collaboration is calling

for artists to beautify the Portsmouth Square Pedestrian Bridge.
As one of the densest neighborhoods in the City, the project is
a win for the quality of life of Chinatown residents and visitors.
Apply at c-c-c.org/ccg, questions email daisy@c-c-c.org

H I M MAR K LAI LEAR N I NG CE NTE R P R E S E NTS

Imagine, just 100 years ago, Chinese people were

being driven out of their villages and depicted as these
demons who were going to destroy America. This site
ties into that history really well.
- Bryn Williams, Stanford University archeologist

Roots California
Excursions

You are invited to A Moving Journey to Monterey

-

Saturday, June 6
Meet at the Chinese Culture Center 8:30 am
Return 7 pm
Admission Fee: $97 includes tour, transportation, strawberry picking, lunch
Please RSVP to Christy Xu via christy@c-c-c.org, or (415)986-1822, Ext. 30

On June 6, you are invited to journey with a 5th generation descendent of the first Chinese fishing village settlers, Geraldine
Low-Sabado, who will share the forgotten story of Chinese in Monterey.
A visitor's first impression of Monterey is the beautiful ocean view, world-renowned aquarium and the stunning topography.
However, very few people are aware of its history that are not taught in schools. Monterey was established in the 1850s
when the Chinese started the abalone and squid industries, and built one of California's largest fishing villages. The
village burned in 1906, and its memory was almost completely forgotten. Join in supporting the recent efforts to restore
this memory. Itinerary includes visits to the site of the first village, a sneak preview of Monterey Bay Aquariums upcoming
exhibition about the village, a walk through some of Geraldines family history, and strawberry picking at a nearby farm.
17

Film to Feature Chinese in America

Roller Coaster Road Productions recently filmed a documentary about Chinese in
America. CCC's Director of Education and Engagement Darin Ow-Wing hosted
the film crew for an in-depth, multidimensional introduction to the struggles and
contributions of Chinese Americans.
To come on the Chinatown Democracy tour and learn about this history, book with
Christy Xu, tour@c-c-c.org.

E N G A G E M E N T : T R A N S F O R M I N G C H I N ATO W N TO A " M U S E U M W I T H O U T W A L L S "

Engage with Community

Join and be part of the "Museum Without Walls," an initiative of creative place-making to transform and activate public
space. Bring your friends and family to experience art and culture and build a strong community.

May 9 Seminar: Strength in Unity

1:00-2:30pm Chinese Culture Center

FREE
Engage in a dialogue on economic justice
for dim sum workers
RSVP: daisy@c-c-c.org

July 18 Dance on Waverly

3:00pm - 6:00pm Waverly Alley

FREE
Take over Waverly Alley - watch dancers or become
one too! An afternoon of performance and instruction

August 15 Chinatown Music Festival

11:00am - 4:00pm Portsmouth Square

FREE
The 6th annual Chinatown Music Festival, all day live
performances from diverse acts in music, including jazz,
rock, soul. Transforms Portsmouth Square

September 26 Napa trip

9:00am - 6:00pm Meet at Chinese Culture Center

Tickets $129
Take a break in late summer. Enjoy Chinese
American history while sipping wine
Please RSVP to daisy@c-c-c.org

Be an Art Advocate!
Sustain art and intercultural engagement by joining as a member
or donating. A large portion of our programs are funded by you!
To join as a member, contact Lydia Han, lydia@c-c-c.org
To donate, contact Xavier Tsang, xavier@c-c-c.org

===============
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US Postage
PAID
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===============
750 KEARNY STREET, 3RD FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108
OUR MISSION To spark intercultural discovery

through art, education and engagement.

, ,

415. 986. 1822 / WWW.C-C-C.ORG

@CCCSANFRANCISCO

A Soulful SF Chinatown Band

LETS DANCE
Proceeds Benefit the Chinatown Music Festival
Buffet Dinner
Line Dancing Class

Sat May 16, 2015

6:00 - 11:30pm
Chinese Culture Center Auditorium,
3/F, 750 Kearny St. Hilton Hotel, SF
To buy tickets, Please RSVP by Friday, May 9 To Shannon Yip via shannon@c-c-c.org 415-986-1822, ext 30