Sylvia Weichi Cheng and Rachel Akin Opening Reception and Exhibit

Sylvia received her Master of Arts, from Providence University in Taiwan, 1990   “In my paintings, I have tried to present the varied aspects of women’s roles in the cultures I have been apart of in a way that is beautiful and colorful.  My paintings are in a classical oil painting style to give the viewer a feeling of domestic warmth and familiarity so that a person will feel comfortable hanging them in his or her home or seeing them in an art gallery. Rather than being provocative or trying to make a political statement, I prefer to show how women’s lives have been fitting into their cultures from classical times to the present. Several of my paintings show classical scenes but have a subtle touch to them to suggest they are also fresh and modern.  From classical times to the present women have worked alongside men to contribute to all of our lives. Then, as now they have had many domestic roles to perform. Women have also been the gender most concerned with body image and presentation. In each of my paintings, you will see some aspect of this portrayed in a tasteful way that could be hung on anyone’s wall.” -Sylvia Weichi Cheng

Rachel Akin received her BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1999 and MFA from Ohio University in 2006.  She was a resident, studio tech and instructor at the KC Clay Guild from 2001-03.  She was also a resident at Red Star Studios and Craft Alliance in St. Louis.  Recently she exhibited her work at two different exhibitions during the 2016 NCECA conference and The Brookside Art Annual in 2017.