Ming Chiao, or Minnesota Bridge, signifies a link between East and West. The name reflects a connection to the numerous lakes and mighty rivers in Minnesota.

The Sumi-e Society of America, Inc. was formed in 1963 by Motoi Oi to foster and encourage the appreciation of East Asian brush painting.

The Ming Chiao Chapter was founded in 1988 by Lily Weinshilboum after she returned from studying at the National Art Academy in Hangzhou, PRC. Since there was a long history of scholarly interchange between China and Minnesota, including strong ties within the arts community, Lily felt that the time was right for a chapter of the Sumi-e Society in her home state.

The chapter meets every-other-month to hold a business meeting and plan special activities, including workshops and group shows.

Membership in the chapter is open to any individual interested in East Asian painting and calligraphy. For more information about membership, contact a board member.

Sumi-e is Japanese for “ink painting,” which originated from Literati Painting in China centuries ago and later spread throughout Japan and Korea.

Contemporary styles range from realistic to abstract.

All Asian brush painters use the same tools and similar techniques. The tools are traditionally called the four treasures — brush, ink stick, ink stone and rice paper. Watercolors may also be employed. All Asian brush painters strive to capture the essence or spirit of the subject.

Ming Chiao Chapter Show Criteria