[Month of Chinese Calligraphy] 1998, Montreal Quebec Canada

Invitation letter cover ~ [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] 1998, Montreal Quebec Canada

1998 中國書法月, 舉行于滿地可市 Frontenac 政府文化中心 — [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] in 5 Chinese characters [中國書法月] ~ Running script by Ngan Siu Mui

Introduction of [Montreal Traditional Chinese Culture Society] (SCCT)

In 1991, painter and calligrapher Ngan Siu Mui brought together a group of individuals—both Chinese and Western—who shared a passion for traditional Chinese art and philosophy. Together, they registered the Montreal Traditional Chinese Culture Society (SCCT) as a non-profit organization, securing recognition from both Canada federal and Quebec provincial governments. The initiative to establish SCCT was championed by Mr. Richard Dalcourt, who served as the society’s volunteer chartered accountant. Mrs. Louiselle Bouffard was responsible for drafting the Society’s Articles and Legal Regulations. The founding members of SCCT were Ngan Siu Mui, Louiselle Bouffard, Nicole Chenut, Claude Tricot, and John Ho.

The main objective of the SCCT was to introduce traditional Chinese arts like painting, calligraphy and tea ceremony. In addition, it introduces classical Chinese literature and philosophy (Taoism) to the public. Being an active art society the SCCT organizes annual exhibitions and related cultural activities throughout Montreal. Moreover, it participated in overseas international exhibitions. Indeed, SCCT members have exhibited their works in many parts of the Far East like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, China, Malaysia and Japan. Its intercultural activities enhance the interaction between the Chinese population and the mainstream society, thus breaking down the cultural barrier. More than that, these events drew Quebec’s attention to the achievement of non-Chinese artists. With increasing exposure to the public, the SCCT succeeded to become a landmark for cultural exchange. It acted as a crucial resource center for research and development of Chinese culture. The SCCT achieved to occupy a strategic position within Quebec whereby public, para-public and even private institutions frequently turned for consultation.

In 1992, in collaboration with Hong Kong's Xiaofeng Art Society, the SCCT organized a calligraphy, painting, and seal-carving exhibition at the Taiwan Arts Education Center. It also formed a [Chinese Cultural Delegation] that visited the Xiaofeng Art Center in Nanhai, China. During the visit, the delegation held an exhibition of calligraphy and painting works and conducted live demonstrations featuring both Chinese and Western members of the society.

In addition to its arts programming, the SCCT played a prominent role in supporting the integration of immigrants. The society collaborated with the Québec government by providing free French-language courses designed specifically for newcomers.

Committee ~ First [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] (1998)

Since 1992, and for six consecutive years, the SCCT participated in exhibitions organized by the International Calligraphy Union (ICU), at its headquarters in Taiwan and at its branches in Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. In 1998, responding to enthusiastic and unanimous requests from the ICU, the Society was honored to host the 7th ICU Calligraphy Exhibition in Montreal. This event was a cornerstone of the [Month of Chinese Calligraphy]

Host Organizer:
~ Traditional Chinese Culture Society of Montreal
~ International Calligraphy Union of Canada
Co-organizer:
~ Frontenac Culture House
~ Plateau Mont-Royal Culture House
~ Foung Cheung Museum of Traditional Chinese Arts
Honorary President: Louise Latraverse
Honorary Advisor: ~ Raymond Tsim ~ Crescent Chau ~ Angela Leung ~ Man Wai Yee ~ Kong Fah Lee ~ Pierrette Wong
President: Ngan Siu Mui
Executive Committee Member:
~ Nicole Chenut ~ Linda Prenoveau ~ Louise Joubert Mrs. ~ Leung Yin Ching ~ Judy Wong
~ Millie Lum ~ Catherine Fung ~ Susie Wong ~ John Ho ~ Gaétane Cummings ~ Natasa Rajcic ~ Yves Prescott

Activities ~ First [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] (1998)

7th International Calligraphy Union Exhibition
7th International Calligraphy Union Exhibition ~ Banquet
[Mind Painting] by Ngan Siu Mui and Her Students (A Educational exhibition of Chinese calligraphy and painting)
Exhibition guided tours, calligraphy and painting demonstrations, calligraphy lessons, tea ceremony performances and lessons, Chinese opera performances.

Recommendation Letters from Government ~ First [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] (1998)

The Montreal Traditional Chinese Culture Society was honored to organize the 1998 "Month of Chinese Calligraphy" in Montreal, made possible through the strong support of Canada's three levels of government, the International Calligraphy Union, and esteemed individuals from diverse sectors. .

Listed below are the government officials who provided letters of recommendation for the event：

Mrs. Louise Beaudoin, Minister of Culture and Communications of Quebec
Mr. Sylvain Simard, Minister of International Affairs, Quebec Government
Mr. Gilles Duceppe, Deputy of Laurier-Sainte-Marie
Mr. André Boulerice, Deputy of Sainte-Marie-Saint-Jacques
Mrs. Liza Frulla, Deputee de Marguerite Bourgois
Mr. Sammy Forcillo, Municipal Councilor Montreal
Mrs. Johanne Lorrain, Member of the Executive Council, City of Montreal
Mr. Laurent Legault, Agent of the Frontenac Culture House
Mrs. Joanne Germain, Agent of the Plateau-Mont-Royal Culture House
Mr. Robert Paré, Responsible Official of the Botanical Garden of Montreal

Opening ceremony of the 7th International Calligraphy Union Exhibition

From May 7 to June 14, 1998, the 7th International Calligraphy Union Exhibition was held at the Frontenac Government Cultural Center in Montreal and Foung Cheung Museum of Traditional Chinese Arts, The opening Ceremony was held On May 10, 1998.
The exhibition showcased the works of calligraphers from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and other regions. The opening ceremony and accompanying cultural banquet in Montreal were attended by sixty-six calligraphers from the East.
All event materials, calligraphic titles, inscriptions, and related publications were presented in Chinese, French, and English. This multilingual approach aimed to make Chinese calligraphy more accessible and deepen its appreciation among visitors from all walks of life.

1998 First [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] (1998) held in Frontenac Culture House, Montreal — Mrs. Louise Beaudoin, Minister of Culture and Communications of Quebec officiated the ceremony.

[Month of Chinese Calligraphy], the 7th International Calligraphy Union Exhibition held in Frontenac Culture House — 7th International Calligraphy Union Exhibition
Frontenac Culture House, Montreal
A Corner of the Venue

The Banquet of the 7th International Calligraphy Union Exhibition

The banquet was held at the Sheraton Hotel, with more than thirty tables arranged for guests. Attendees included Mr. Robert Perreault, Minister of Municipal Affairs for Montreal, Mr. Sammy Forcillo, Municipal Councilor of Montreal, and representatives from various Chinese community organizations in the city. The event also welcomed sixty-six members of international calligraphy alliances, who traveled to Montreal from around the world to take part in this significant occasion.

Entertainment and activities of the banquet:

Opening speech by Mr. Robert Perreault, le ministre d’État à la Métropole
Thank you speech by Mrs. Ngan Siu Mui, president of SCCT
Introducing representatives of the International Calligraphy Union, government officials, the exhibition organizing committee, and sponsoring organizations and businesses.
Ngan Siu Mui and Rozanne Lo dancing shows of [Rhapsody at the Ink Pool]
Catherine Fung's Guzheng performance on [Spring River Flower Moon Night]
Linda Prenoveau's Chinese Song [Sending My Love a Thousand Miles Away Under the Bright Moon]
Pipa Performance by Catherine Hui
Tai Chi saber performance by Paul Leung
Louise Forestier singing a French song written for [Chinese Calligraphy]
Live Calligraphy Demonstration by Representatives by various Reprentatives of the Calligraphy Union
Tea Ceremony Demonstration by Lin Easun, Chairman of the Tenren Tea Culture Foundation
Lucky Draw for Guests

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], [Rhapsody at the Ink Pool] performed by Ngan Siu Mui — [Rhapsody at the Ink Pool]
performed by Ngan Siu Mui
and her Social dance instructor Barry Zagrodney
Using the powerful yet fluid steps of the social dance Waltz
to express how the [Brush Power] in calligraphy lying in [Whole-body force application]

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], [Rhapsody at the Ink Pool] performed by Rozanne Lo — [Rhapsody at the Ink Pool]
performed by Rozanne Lo
and her Social dance instructor Barry Zagrodney
[Delaying Brush] refers to a tendency to pause during calligraphy,
as if something is resisting the movement,
requiring effort to overcome it before proceeding.
The concept of [Delaying Brush] in calligraphy
is expressed through the [Delaying Step] gesture in Tango Social Dance.

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], Linda Prenoveau singing Chinese song — Linda Prenoveau singing Chinese song
[Sending My Love a Thousand Miles Away Under the Bright Moon]
Her clear and resonant voice, along with precise articulation,
made for a superb performance
that earned thunderous applause from the entire audience.

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], Pipa Performance by Catherine Hui — Pipa Performance by Catherine Hui
The fingering techniques of the pipa are as challenging as the brushstrokes of calligraphy.
Both are far from mechanical skills—they are, in essence, an organic art of movement,
demanding the seamless integration of breath, force, and artistic spirit.

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], Calligraphy demonstration by the Taiwan representative — Calligraphy demonstration by the Taiwan representative
of the International Calligraphy Union

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], Calligraphy demonstration by the Janpanese representative — Calligraphy demonstration by the Janpanese representative
of the International Calligraphy Union

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], Tea Ceremony Demonstration by Lin Easun, Chairman of the Tenren Tea Culture Foundation — Tea Ceremony Demonstration
by Lin Easun, Chairman of the Tenren Tea Culture
>Amid the lively atmosphere of the Banquet,
the moment of Mr. Lin performed the tea ceremony,
the entire room fell into a hushed silence,
and everyone entered a state of inner tranquility.

The lucky draw winner received a sportswear
printed with the [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] logo.

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], The Union Head Quarter representative sending souvenirs to SCCT — The Union Head Quarter representative sending souvenirs to SCCT

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], logo of the souvenir sportswear

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], Poster [The Bond of Brush and Ink], written by Ngan Siu Mui — Poster [The Bond of Brush and Ink]
Cursive calligraphy by Ngan Siu Mui

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy], logo of the souvenir sportswear

Exhibition of [Mind Painting] by Ngan Siu Mui and her disciples

The exhibition was held from May 1 to May 31, 1998, at the Plateau-Mont-Royal Culture House.
Its goals were to coincide with the launch of the book [Chinese Calligraphy, Abstract Art, Mind Painting]
and to introduce the techniques of Chinese calligraphy to the Quebec public in an accessible and engaging way.
Funding for the [Mind Painting] exhibition and the accompanying publication was provided
by the Quebec Ministry of Culture and the Montreal City Council's Department of Culture.
Additionally, the Plateau-Mont-Royal Government Cultural Centre in Montreal offered complimentary use of the venue,
along with staffing and administrative support.

Ngan Siu Mui's Calligraphy New Book Released ~ Montreal Chinese News

On the evening of October 15th, nearly two hundred people, including members of Montreal's Chinese cultural community
and a number of Westerners passionate about Chinese culture, gathered in the auditorium of the Montreal Botanical Garden.
They attended an introduction event for Ms. Ngan Siu Mui's new book《Chinese Calligraphy, Abstract Art, Mind Painting》
hosted by the Traditional Chinese Culture Society of Montreal ...
The publication of this book has offered another precious gift to all who cherish Chinese culture...
Director Mr. Gilles Vincent expressed his delight at hosting the introductory event for Ms. Ngan Siu Mui's new book in the Botanical Garden's auditorium.
He spoke highly of Chinese calligraphy, noting its profound connection with the natural world ...
Ngan Siu Mui presented a copy of her new book to Nicole Bernier, representative of the Ministry of Culture.

The event was attended by over three hundred guests, filling the auditorium to capacity,
with approximately sixty additional attendees unable to be seated due to the lack of space. The book is published in Chinese, French, and English,
contributing meaningfully to the promotion of Chinese calligraphy and the facilitation of cultural exchange between the East and the West.

Ngan Siu Mui's Calligraphy New Book [Chinese Calligraphy, Abstract Art, Mind Painting], Launching gala — Ngan Siu Mui's Calligraphy New Book Released
Launching gala

Calligrapher and Painter Ngan Siu Mui Launched her New Book in Montreal ~ World Daily News (Toronto Edition)

Gilles Vincent, Director of the Montreal Botanical Garden, remarked: "Through Ngan Siu Mui's book, one can observe the subtle yet profound connection between Chinese calligraphy and the natural world... This serves as an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange between the East and the West."

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] , World Daily News (Toronto Edition) — 1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy]
World Daily News (Toronto Edition)

1998 [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] ~ La Press, Montreal

Since 1992, the Montreal Chinese Culture Promotion Society (SCCT) has participated for six consecutive years in exhibitions
organized by the International Calligraphy Union (ICU) at its headquarters in Taiwan and its branches in Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and other regions.
1998, in response to enthusiastic requests from various branches of the International Calligraphy Union,
the society arranged the [7th International Calligraphy Union Exhibition] as part of the activities held during the [Month of Chinese Calligraphy] event.

Connecting Through Ink: Calligraphy Art Transcends Eastern and Western Cultures ~ Montreal Luby Chinese News

An Interview with Calligrapher Ngan Siu Mui ~ devoted to the Art
The Canadian Federal Minister of Heritage declared: "Chinese calligraphy adds a glorious stroke to Canada's cultural heritage." How should we, as ethnic Chinese, approach our own culture and that of the West?
Do you agree with Mayor Bourque's viewpoint: "Cultural exchange between East and West converges and integrates, ultimately moving towards greater harmony"?

Interview with calligrapher Ngan Siu Mui, Montreal Luby Chinese News — Interview with calligrapher Ngan Siu Mui