Yang-Neng Chan

Mr. Chan is a priceless, living repository of ancient Chinese artistic techniques and skills. Born in 1930 to a wealthy south China family, he was educated in Hong Kong. He returned to the mainland in 1951 to serve in the Chinese Air Force, teaching calligraphy and Chinese literature to the troops. He was sent to a farm labor camp in far northern China for nearly 30 years, his wealth now a distant memory. But he was called on once again to teach art and calligraphy. Even after he came to the United States, he was honored in Beijing in 1995 as the best in the world in traditional calligraphy. Another noted calligrapher and teacher was reported to be “speechless for 15 minutes,” after viewing Mr Chan’s work. Today, Mr. Chan lives in Riverview, Florida and teaches this ancient art to many Asian and non-Asian students who have gone on to win recognition of their own. With his daughter Ping Chen, he offers annual workshops on Chinese art. They are frequently called on to judge art work. He and his daughter are currently working with other members of the Sumi-e society to produce instructional books and DVD’s. They’re determined that his unique perspective on this great art form will continue through future generations.