“The Journey of a Chinese from East to West”

Contemporary Chinese art, laden with political imagery and bold abstractions, is all the rage right now. But most people know that China’s greatest art is rooted in the ancient practice of calligraphy, which is the tradition followed by watercolor painter Peihong Dong Endris. Born in the southeastern province of Zhejiang, Endris recently relocated to the Houston area, where she works as a teacher and artist. She creates finely detailed nature scenes, reminiscent of the famed Chinese calligraphers of yore but also Western watercolor masters. “The Journey of a Chinese from East to West,” her new exhibition at the Jung Center, and one of several she’s done in Texas, highlights this duality of technique and influence with its idyllic, elaborate images of nature — birds, bees and flowers, suffused with color and romance. There’s an opening reception on December 7, but the exhibit is on display now. Regular viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Through December 23. 5200 Montrose. For information call, 713-524-8253 or visit www.junghouston.org. Free.
Mondays-Saturdays. Starts: Dec. 1. Continues through Dec. 23, 2008