Opening reception, artist talk set for Saturday, July 15

Central Square’s Art Gallery is currently exhibiting the “Audacity” series: The Audacity to be Asian in Rural America: we owe you no apologies by artist Nancy XiáoRong Valentine. Valentine’s collection will be on display from July to the end of August.

Created in response to the injustice faced by Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, the series consists of 12 watercolor and Chinese ink scroll paintings on rice paper that offer a visually compelling narrative of the Hao family’s immigrant experience in rural West Central Minnesota. The Hao family is Valentine’s maternal side of her family. 

The series is a remarkable fusion of artistry and storytelling, highlighting the intersection of personal experience and shared history. By confronting the challenges faced by Asian Americans and embracing the audacious spirit needed to overcome adversity, Valentine invites viewers to reflect on their own capacity for resilience and empathy.

Through the hanging scrolls, Valentine eloquently shares the story of her family’s journey from Lanzhou, Gansu, China to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, USA. Each painting depicts a different animal from the Chinese Zodiac, symbolizing various aspects of the family’s immigrant experience and cultural heritage. The intricate watercolor and Chinese ink techniques employed by Valentine bring these stories to life, inviting viewers to explore and empathize with the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of the Hao family.

Valentine’s masterful use of color, texture, and form evokes a sense of emotion, inviting viewers to explore the experience of cross-cultural visual storytelling. In a previous interview, Valentine stated, “it is meant to express that Asian people do not owe anyone an apology for simply existing. It’s about cultural dignity.” 

Valentine’s unique artistic style has garnered widespread acclaim. In 2020, Valentine was named a Blandin Community Leadership Institute Cohort Member, a Lake Region Arts Council 2021 Cohort Artist (and Career Development Grant recipient), and a 2021 Springboard for the Arts Artists Respond: Equitable Rural Futures Artist. She was awarded a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board for FY 2022 and named a 2022-2024 Springboard for the Arts Rural Regenerator Fellow. 

Most recently, Valentine has been awarded a FY 2023 Creative Support for Individual Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and a FY 2023 Legacy Individual Arts grant from the Lake Region Arts Council.

“We are thrilled to host this extraordinary body of work in our gallery,” said Central Square’s executive director, Marie Chan. “We saw Nancy’s work featured on the Lake Region Arts Council website and immediately reached out to see if she would consider exhibiting her work here in Glenwood, and to our delight, she said yes. Nancy’s work captures the essence of the Hao family’s immigrant journey, while shedding light on the broader issues of social justice and cultural identity. This exhibition is an opportunity for the community to engage with and celebrate their stories. This exhibition promises to be an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and our community alike,” Chan explained.

The public is invited to her opening reception and artist talk this Saturday, July 15, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Valentine will speak about her powerful paintings and answer questions about her work from 12:30 to 1 p.m. during her reception.

About Central Square 

Art Gallery 

Central Square Art Gallery is a premier art destination in Glenwood, Minn.dedicated to showcasing exceptional contemporary artwork by local and statewide artists. The gallery serves as a platform for creative expression, fostering an appreciation for diverse artistic perspectives.