Rtrail Collective Edge Showcases Famous, Foreign-Born Artist C.J. Fang, with “New Year. No Fear.”

Our focus on healthy communities in 2011 begins with "New Year. No Fear." showcasing the inspiring work of Indiana resident, C. J. Fang and original works on loan to rTrail from China by the Confucius Institute at Valparaiso University.

As China continues to evolve and influence the nations of the West, including the US, we find we have much in common among our personal and business aspirations. This installation will highlight the cultural philosophy of "change" as it is experienced and translated into visual arts from a dual citizen and her family. Her work explores the desire to overcome fear in pursuit of personal success.

This story is told by Fang, a senior journalist from China who has trained, reinvented, and thrived in the US after becoming a naturalized citizen less than 10 years ago from Taiwan. To acquire the knowledge and skills that good artwork demands, she enrolled in the Department of Fine Art at Purdue, from which she received her M.A. degree. It is her proficiency in Art that enabled her to gain her immigration "green card. " Fang's works are inspired by nature and the ever-changing universe. An ecological view of life and cosmologically attuned living style, deeply rooted in Chinese ancient wisdom, has characterized her worldview. Chinese rich tradition has given her a solid foundation, upon which her art world is built and from which her ideas derive. Check out more of CJ's work here.

The works will be on display starting Tuesday, January 11 when the Gallery Opens at 10am. Personal appearances by CJ Fang at 6:30pm on Saturday, January 15 will allow the public to hear her story first hand and share the wisdom of change as we face the new year without a renewed confidence. A pre-event VIP experience will be offered just for ValpoLife readers! At 5:30 pm on January 15, mention ValpoLife.com and receive a FREE autograph print of her work!

For more information, please contact rTrail Collective Edge at 219.299.2226, getconnected@rtrail.net, or connect to the ValpoLife featured profile page!