With a backdrop of Chinese artists’ work at the Cress Gallery, University and Chattanooga leaders met Duan Jun, first secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, at a reception. It was a special event in UTC’s month long “Focus on China.” Duan is responsible for coordinating local relations between Chinese and American cities.
Chattanooga has been a sister city to Wuxi, China, since 1982.
“The Chinese government really attaches great importance to Sister City relations. Sister City relations are a great platform to promote people relations, friendship and mutual understanding,” Duan said.
At the invitation of Dr. Richard Rice, professor of history and Co-Director the UTC Asia Program, Duan spoke to students in his Traditional China: History and Culture class.
“I talked to them about the reality of China. China is developing very quickly after the reform. Although we are regarded as one of the biggest economies in the world, due to a huge population we face big challenges. To overcome these challenges, we need to work hard,” Duan said. “We hope the world can accept the tremendous challenges we are facing and understand our position with foreign policy. And also the China-US relations—one is the largest developing country and one is the largest developed country—there are a lot of things we can do together to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, which will benefit both countries and the world at large.”
“Focus on China” continues with two art exhibitions:
November 1 – December 6 an exhibition of photographs from Chattanooga’s Sister City of Wuxi, China, will be displayed in the UTC University Center. Comprised of forty works, this colorful show will be interesting and educational for the entire Chattanooga community. The exhibition will be available for viewing on the first and third floors of the University Center.
November 9 – December 14– The UTC Cress Gallery of Art presents an exhibition of contemporary Chinese art featuring the work of 13 major Chinese artists working today. Dr. Patricia Karetzky, O. Munsterberg Chair of Asian Art, Bard College, is assisting the UTC Cress Gallery with the organization of this exhibition.
NEW Gallery hours at the Cress: 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and through intermission for all Patten Series Performances; open to the public and admission is free.
