Today is Jan. 9, 2026. I am updating my website. Now, when I am checking this part, I cannot help but write something about my American trip in 2015 in the US.

2015 was a special year for the development of my "Cross-cultural and Comprehensive / Integrated Art." Mainly, I explored some important things below:

First of all, based on the former art exhibitions at a college in 2014, a university in 2010, and two art organizations in 2013 and 2009, my cross-cultural and comprehensive e/ integrated art entered the first American library.

Sept 04 – 30, 2015, Shirley’s Cross-cultural & Comprehensive Art Exhibition at Brentwood Branch Library, MO, USA  

Feb 07 - 28,2014, Shirley's Cross-cultural & Comprehensive Art Exhibition at Ozark Technical Community College MO, USA.

May10 - 24,2013, Taste of China-Shirley’s Art Exhibition at Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center, KY, USA.

May 06 - 24, 2010, Shirley Yiping Zhang’s Art Exhibition at PSU Gallery, Missouri State University

September 4-26, 2009,  Visit China, Shirley Yiping Zhang’s Individual Art Exhibition at Creamery Art Center,MO, USA

My 5th Cross-cultural and Comprehensive/Integrated Art Exhibition was held at the Brentwood Branch Library’s Springfield downtown branch MO, USA, from Sept. 4 to Sept. 30.

Secondly, three Catholic schools and I (as their guest Chinese Art Teacher) initially established a regular Chinese art program, and then in 2019, another school joined us. So, by March 2020, I had four stable and regular yearly work partners in the K–12 field in the US.

Unfortunately, this stable situation was disrupted due to the worldwide epidemic.

Thirdly, I established a good working relationship with a college, and they wanted to hire me as their Chinese art instructor at that time.

Fourthly, after a demonstration at the art centre at Drury University Nov 9, 2015, I was shocked and inspired by the questions, “Do you want to teach?” and “Do you want to teach after finishing your study in Beijing?” Since that day, a new dream -- earning my second master’s degree in art—had jumped into my mind.

Then, six years later, in July 2021, I earned my Master of Fine Arts degree from the Chinese National Academy of Arts.

Basically, I wanted to share these thoughts about 2015 and hope to bring you a big smile. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, I will be very glad to receive them via info@ebridge.cn or shirley@ebridge.cn. You are always welcome.

Sincerely, 

Shirley Yiping Zhang 

Jan. 9, 2026