(Clearwisdom.net) On May 13, the World Falun Dafa Day, Australian artist Ms. Zhang Cuiying arrived in New York City to hold a 4-day solo painting exhibition upon invitation. Ms. Zhang's painting exhibition opened at a well-known gallery. Her beautiful, serene and exquisite art works have gained appreciation from many art fans. People highly praised her artwork entitled "The Lord of Buddhas." Her uncommon experience of 8 months' imprisonment in China for appealing for Falun Gong aroused visitors' sympathy and indignation towards the Jiang Zemin regime's brutal persecution of innocent Falun Gong practitioners. After reading the exhibition ad in a newspaper, a Chinese person came especially to visit. He carefully viewed each of the painting works and said: "Jiang Zemin is so wicked."

Presenting a landscape painting to a City Councilman	A reporter interviewing Ms. Zhang
Birthday celebration	Exhibition hall

At the opening ceremony, Ms. Zhang Cuiying told her story about how she suffered from illnesses that almost put her in a desperate situation both physically and mentally and almost ended her painting career. After practicing Falun Gong, she recovered from the illnesses and resumed painting. Then she described the features of traditional Chinese painting as well as her art career. The New York City Councilman who attended the opening ceremony showed great interest in traditional Chinese culture. He also expressed his sympathy towards Ms. Zhang for her experiences in China. He attentively viewed each painting. To thank the people of New York, Ms. Zhang presented an exquisite landscape painting to the Councilman.

What made this day even more special was the fact that this day was also Ms. Zhang's 40th birthday. Without resting from her travels, Ms. Zhang celebrated this wonderful day with her daughter who had just come from Australia and had not seen her mother for four months. A New York practitioner who is also a master of French baking had especially prepared a delicate birthday cake for Ms. Zhang. The opening ceremony concluded with heartfelt songs and good cheer.