SFGATE’s Best of Bay Area recognizes the best local businesses by celebrating winners, featuring them in both print and digital channels, and promoting them on social media.

With the support of our loyal visitors and community members, the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) won SFGATE’s Best Art Gallery in the Bay Area Award in 2024. 

This year, we are excited to invite you to nominate us for the following categories:

• Best Museum
• Best Art Gallery
• Best Venue
• Best Family Amusement
• Best Wedding Venue
• Best Music Venue

Nominations are open from February 17th at 2:00 PM to March 17th at 11:59 AM PST. Each person can nominate IAMA in the above six categories each day during the nomination round.

If we secure a spot in the top five of any of these categories, we will advance to the voting round, which will begin on April 14th at 2:00 PM and end on May 5th at 11:59 PM. 

Click here to nominate us

As always, the IAMA team is very grateful for your support of our museum and mission! Our non-profit art museum is dedicated to highlighting both local and international artists, and we continue to support youth arts programming through our International Youth Art Contest, our Live Youth Art Competition, and our exhibitions featuring local youth artists and art studios. We thank you for your ongoing support of our museum, including nominating us for awards such as these, which makes a difference in our programming, public engagement, and visibility.

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IAMA presents Be Your Own Spotlight by Yen’s Art Studio

Opening Day: January 14, 2026
Gallery Reception: Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2 PM
Exhibition Dates: January 14 – January 28, 2026
Location: IAMA Grand Exhibition Hall, San Francisco

Presented by Yen’s Art Studio, Be Your Own Spotlight features 150 outstanding works by young students, created in all ranges of mediums: acrylic, watercolor, pencil, and mixed media. Each piece is a moment of bravery—a visual statement that says, this is who I am.

These students are not simply learning techniques. They are learning to trust their voices, to take up space, and to stand confidently behind what they create. Their artworks reflect growth, self-discovery, and the joy of becoming. Whether you are a parent, an educator, a collector, or someone simply searching for inspiration, this exhibition offers visitors something new to enjoy and something meaningful to feel.

 A Joyful Challenge: Guess the Artist’s Age

As you walk through the gallery, we invite you to play along with one of our favorite traditions:

Look at the artwork.
Guess the artist’s age.
Then check the answer.

The results are often surprising. Visitors are consistently amazed—not only by the technical skill on display, but by the emotional depth, originality, and storytelling power found in these young voices.

As Yen’s Art Studio beautifully expresses: “In the world of art, there are no boundaries of age or race. Children’s artwork can reach—and sometimes surpass—the technical ability and creative understanding typically associated with adults.”

Among the many works featured this year, a compelling self-portrait by 8th-grade student Cynthia Liu stands out for both its technical sensitivity and emotional depth. Known for her strong perfectionist tendencies, Cynthia’s work reflects a truth familiar to all artists: no artwork is ever truly “finished.” Without a clear endpoint, a piece can be revised endlessly—sometimes at the cost of the artist’s original vision.

At Yen’s Art Studio, she was guided to first complete what is visibly unfinished, then refine the details that matter most to her. This approach reinforces an important lesson: only the artist can decide when a piece is complete. This mindset extends beyond art, supporting academic growth, future careers, and personal development by balancing ambition with self-trust.

Her parents shared, “We are thankful for the time, patience, and care that allowed this work to become what it is.”

Another featured work comes from Sophie, a once‑shy artist who nearly gave up on art. Through the creative process at Yen’s Art Studio, Sophie rediscovered calmness, confidence, and inner strength—marking one of the studio’s most meaningful transformations this year.

Her growth reflects the studio’s commitment to nurturing both technical skill and personal expression. Her parents shared, “The first time we saw this drawing, we felt peace, delight, and passion. We believe she truly enjoyed creating it—and that is all we want her to feel when she draws.”

Among more than 150 paintings in the exhibition, this piece was selected for the story it carries rather than immediate visual impact. Created by Nova, a student dedicated to becoming a professional ballet dancer, the piece reflects quiet discipline and inner resolve. Acknowledging the demands of her rigorous dance training, her art education emphasized observation, sensitivity, and emotional understanding over technical display. During exhibition preparation, participation was optional; nevertheless, Nova chose to complete this work in the final week, driven by personal commitment rather than obligation.

Her painting reveals genuine emotion and determination—qualities she will carry into her future as a dancer, where art and movement meet as a shared language of expression.

Her family shared, “Nova approaches everything with heart, focus, and quiet determination. We are proud of the depth she brings to all she does.”

A Partnership Built on Shared Belief

Yen’s Art Studio first connected with IAMA through the museum’s 2025 International Youth Art Contest, which provided young artists a platform to showcase their art to the public. Building on that success, we are excited to announce that first-round registration for the 2026 edition will begin soon. That first connection left a lasting impression:

“The emotional impact we felt when we first stepped into the museum is something we still vividly remember. There is a community here—people who, like us, are devoted to art and committed to sharing its beauty and meaning with others.”

For families, seeing a child’s artwork displayed in a professional museum setting is transformative. It’s a moment of pride, validation, and joy—a reminder that young creativity deserves to be honored with the same respect as any masterwork.

Helping Every Child Discover Their Voice Through Art

Yen’s Art Studio shared a heartfelt hope for every young artist: the chance to feel true freedom through creativity. They believe that when children are understood and respected, they naturally grow stronger. In a safe, caring environment, kids can show their real selves—strengths, quirks, and all. From there, teachers gently guide them to discover their own worth and unique gifts.

That is what visitors will see in Be Your Own Spotlight. No two artworks are the same. Each student has cultivated their skills through various mediums and chosen subjects that interest them. Yen’s Art Studio guides them through their technical skills and Be Your Own Spotlight is the culmination of each artist’s individual journey.

Reception Highlights

The exhibition reception was a resounding success, welcoming over 145 guests including students, families, and members of the San Francisco arts community. The afternoon featured heartfelt remarks from several participating students, who shared what learning at Yen’s Art Studio meant to them, many speaking about confidence, growth, and finding their own artistic voice. The program also included a presentation by Adam Caldwell, Professor at the Academy of Art University and Chairman of the Jury Committee for the International Youth Art Contest, who explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in contemporary art. His talk examined how emerging technologies are shaping creative practice, and how to use these tools as young artists, adding a thoughtful and forward-looking dimension to an already inspiring celebration.

What Visitors Will Experience

Be Your Own Spotlight is more than an exhibition. It’s an experience—one that invites you to witness individuality, courage, and the beauty of becoming.

You may leave thinking,
“Maybe my child should try learning art.”
Or even,
“Maybe it’s time I try learning art myself.”

Begin the year with a burst of inspiration.
Come celebrate young voices.
Come be part of a community that believes in the power of art.

We’ll see you at IAMA.

This article was co-written by Natalia Kao and Emilio Jimenez, and edited by Hannah Taschek.

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Curator Tony Liang (fifth from left) with IAMA President KC Hsieh (fourth from right), joined by guests and visitors. Photo Credit: IAMA

The exhibition showcases a remarkable assembly of twenty-nine full-sized Thangkas and 204 miniature works, offering a sweeping view of the breadth and depth of this sacred art form. Another highlighted work in the collection is Four‑Armed Avalokiteshvara (四臂觀音), created over eight months by National Master Tashi Jian Cuo (扎西尖措). The piece employs a central composition and is a representative masterpiece of the Menri (勉唐) painting tradition. Rendered with pure gold and composed in the traditional central layout, the piece exudes solemnity and balance, standing as a treasure of exceptional artistic and collectible value. Another highlight of the exhibition is the Menri School Treasury King (財寶天王) by Huadan Cairang (華旦才讓), inheritor of the Rebgong (熱貢) Thangka tradition in Qinghai. A particularly notable aspect of the exhibition is the debut of over 200 miniature Menri School Thangkas, displayed publicly in the United States for the first time. These works were meticulously painted by artists of the Qinghai Longshu Art Studio, trained under Tashi Jian Cuo (扎西尖措), and reflect both the continuity and the contemporary innovation of Thangka art.

The exhibition showcases 204 miniature Thangka works, offering a sweeping view of the breadth and depth of this sacred art form. Photo Credit: David Huang, Sing Tao Daily 

Visitors will also encounter nine Karma Gadri School (嘎瑪嘎孜派) Thangkas depicting the Original Portrait of Shakyamuni Buddha by Provincial Master Wamu Dangzhou (哇么當周), alongside five striking red-gold Thangkas from Beijing’s Yonghe Temple. The exhibition further presents works by Xianjia Li (李先加), disciple of master Nyangben (娘本), and selected pieces from renowned artists including Genqiu Jiangcun (根秋江村), Rui Wang (王瑞), and Longsa Futang (龍薩福唐).

The exhibition showcases a remarkable assembly of twenty-nine full-sized Thangkas. Photo Credit: IAMA

All of the exhibited Thangkas are created using natural mineral pigments, including gold, red coral, cinnabar, orpiment, lapis lazuli, azurite, malachite, and turquoise. Their vivid colors are known for their durability, capable of lasting for centuries without fading. The creation of a Thangka demands extraordinary discipline; artists undergo more than a decade of rigorous apprenticeship before mastering the intricate techniques, and each piece represents months or even years of devoted labor.

Thangka is often described as sacred scripture painted on cloth, a unique art form that integrates painting, religion, philosophy, and craftsmanship. Thangka embodies the solemnity and wisdom of faith, serving not only as artwork, but also as sacred objects of meditation, devotion, and spiritual guidance. Recognized by the United Nations as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, Thangka continues to inspire reverence and admiration across cultures. This exhibition in San Francisco offers a rare chance to experience Thangka’s extraordinary power firsthand.

Visitors are not only able to admire up closely the masterful brushwork and delicate craftsmanship of Thangka masterpieces, but also are able to gain deeper insight into the creative process and cultural background of Thangka through documentary screenings. Many attendees remarked that within the reverent atmosphere, the intricate artistry of the Thangka works – combined with the vivid documentary – created a powerful impact and profound emotional resonance.

Visitors watching a documentary on a Thangka artist, shown moistening his brush with the tip of his tongue to maintain the softness of each stroke. Photo Credit: IAMA

On December 6, during the exhibition’s reception, Yue Zhang from Novato City in Marin County, California, reflected, “This exhibition allowed me to admire the exquisite Thangka works up closely, while also deepening my appreciation for the artistic value and cultural meaning they carry.”

Yue Zhang of Marin County visited the Thangka exhibition with her family, embracing this rare chance to experience the art firsthand. Photo Credit: IAMA

Located in the heart of San Francisco, IAMA was voted the “Best Art Gallery” and was a finalist as the “Best Museum” in SFGate’s Best of Bay Area 2024. IAMA is dedicated to making world-class art accessible to all through exhibitions, education, and international contests. With a mission to foster peace and happiness through art – especially by fostering youth creativity – IAMA brings together works from around the globe, bridging East and West, classical and contemporary.

Curator Tony Liang offered an on‑site introduction to the exquisite artistry of Thangka and the rarely seen methods used in its making. Photo Credit: IAMA

At the opening reception of Experiencing the Power of Thangka on December 6, Mr. KC Hsieh, President of the Museum, remarked, “The mission of IAMA is to bring the world’s finest art to everyone, and may art serve as a bridge of harmony and blessings across nations.” In his speech, he emphasized that this exhibition marks a significant presentation of Thangka art in the United States, with many pieces being exhibited in the country for the very first time. IAMA extends a sincere invitation to people from all walks of life to visit the Grand Exhibition Hall and experience the extraordinary power and solemn beauty of Thangka art.

Read More:
Sing Tao Daily News:　唐卡特展盡顯藏地藝術文化力量

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Visitors have responded with profound emotion. Standing before the carpet and photographs, one reflected that the woven patterns felt like veins of memory, soft yet unyielding, while the family photos testified that warmth once lived in those homes. In rooms now cold and fractured, these objects became the only lights still glowing. Another visitor was moved by the image of a child kissing another child, a fleeting tenderness blooming in the midst of war, and by the boy shielding himself behind two white pigeons—symbols of peace and innocence, fragile yet fiercely guarded. These moments, unfinished yet full of love and hope, invite us to witness, understand, and respond.

Khachikyan himself describes his work as a dialogue in silence. “A poor person’s daily life is not cluttered with unnecessary, expensive objects. When we appear on opposite sides of the camera, we are participants in the same modern ritual, speaking in the language of silence. This is the most international, most human language. I simply call myself a photographer, and the person I encounter—a storyteller. Sometimes the storyteller may be a tree, a mountain, or a cloud.” For him, Live by Loving is a call to transformation: to become the one standing before you, and through them, return to your own inner self, to lovingly rearrange your home, your people, your childhood.

The exhibition also serves as guidance for new generations of photographers. Khachikyan advises them to first clarify their genre—whether journalism, literary-philosophical expression, or pure photography—and then to remain honest and continue observing life with patience and compassion. His own career exemplifies this ethos. Born in Meghri in 1955, Khachikyan is widely recognized as Armenia’s leading documentary and artistic photographer, trained in physics, philosophy, and fine arts. His work has appeared in major Armenian publications and international outlets such as AP, TASS, Time, and Paris Match. A pioneer of commercial photography in Armenia, he introduced high production values and a signature style to advertising and public campaigns, while also founding cultural and educational initiatives including the East-West Intercultural Relations Center and youth photography programs supported by the Eurasia Foundation, OSI, and UNICEF. His projects have been exhibited across Europe, Armenia, Russia, and the United States, including the notable Crossing Borders Between Turkey and Armenia project, and he has earned honors such as Armenia’s Best Photojournalist of the Year and the Presidential Award.

Today, Khachikyan remains a leading figure in international photography, known for his strong narrative voice and innovative techniques. “Live by Loving” is not only a collection of photographs but a call to empathy, a reminder that even within fractured homes, love and warmth endure. To extend this experience beyond the museum walls, IAMA now offers a 3D virtual tour of the exhibition, available at iamasf.org. This immersive online experience invites audiences worldwide to pause, reflect, and take
part in this act of compassion. Through Khachikyan’s vision, we are reminded that to live by loving is to transform, to connect, and to carry forward the fragile yet enduring light of humanity.

Direct link to the 3D tour of “Live by Loving” on the International Art Museum of America’s website: Explore the exhibition here.
For readers who wish to explore more about the artist’s life and career, visit Zaven Khachikyan’s official biography at https://zavenkhachikyan.com/biography/.

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The International Art Museum of America, praised as a “Hidden Jewel” of San Francisco by the late Mayor Ed Li, was established in 2010, with a mission to make art appreciation and education accessible to all. The museum covers over 25,000 sq. ft of permanent art galleries and temporary exhibition halls. Its collections include over 300 precious permanent art pieces by world-renowned artists from 12 countries, including Algeria, Belgium, China, England, France, Germany, Norway, and the United States, and spanning from the 16th Century to the present day. The museum has been an active member of the Central Market community, providing art programs for schools and local communities, as well as serving as a global forum for appreciating art and culture. The 16 styles of art works exhibited by one artist, H. H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, are unprecedentedly striking in their wide variety of techniques, media, and subject matter. In the gallery of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang, the lifetime Chairperson of IAMA, who had a Solo Exhibition in the Palace Museum of the Louvre, Paris, in 2019, visitors are able to gain a comprehensive view of her highly praised artwork.

This first International Art Forum “Illuminating” was brought forth by a youth artists group from Canada called Firefly Youth Network (FYN), whose mission is to apply their artistic talents to ignite positive changes in the community. The President, Gabriel Wang, was brought to the museum 10 years ago when he was only a young boy and was deeply moved by its humane mission. Today, as a16 year-old musician, he said, “I am very proud to bring my teammates in the Firefly Youth Network to come and perform at IAMA. This is very meaningful to me personally, to be able to contribute to fundraising to sustain this mission that I deeply share, to spread art to all.” The talents of the young artists and performers were fully exhibited in paintings from oil, brush, and ink, and from computer generated to abstract to cartoons. Musical performances included opera, instrumental performances, rap, comedy, and more. Illuminating the museum with their individual talents like glittering fireflies, together they heralded a bright future for the community! The day’s event successfully raised $29,000 for the museum’s continuing efforts to promote art and education.

The Firefly Youth Network’s dedication to using art to fulfill social responsibilities highlights the significance of the young generation’s contribution to society. With its International Art Forum program, International Art Museum of American is paving the way for the advancement of art by nourishing the talents of future generations.

For the KTSF report on the event, please click here.

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“Colors of Memory” by Bay Area based and award-winning oil painter Ni Zhu celebrates Chinese New Year, highlighting past and present, and nostalgia and hope, all intertwined with the importance of culture and the joy of tradition.

“We invite you to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage at IAMA Galleries. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with us and experience the joy and inspiration that art brings. We welcome visitors to enjoy the exhibition, showcasing the timeless beauty and cultural significance of this festive season.”

KC Hsieh, President of IAMA

SAN FRANCISCO, January 20th, 2025 – The International Art Museum of America (IAMA) is excited to announce our first gallery exhibition of 2025: Colors of Memory by Ni Zhu.

About the artist:

Ni Zhu is an award winning oil painter based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She grew up in a small town in South China, then went on to study law at Beijing University. She pursued graduate studies in the United States and Canada. Ni Zhu fell in love with painting, and her path led to a career change, where she honed her passion by attending classes at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and taking workshops with master painters. She ultimately earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in 2020.

Ni is a signature member of Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society, and an artist member of the California Art Club. She is represented by Reinert Fine Art in Charleston, SC.

Read the Media Report from Sing Tao USA here

Colors of Memory, which celebrates the Chinese New Year, will be on view in IAMA’s Lightspace Gallery until March 1st, 2025.

Chinese New Year is a celebration of renewal, family, and tradition – three things that have shaped the inspiration behind the artworks of the exhibition and Ni Zhu’s own journey as an artist. The inspiration for Colors of Memory came from Zhu’s personal experiences during the Chinese New Year, both in her hometown and in San Francisco. Zhu notes that the Chinese New Year Parade—particularly the first one she attended in 2005— “felt like a warm embrace” in a new and unfamiliar place and also inspired many of the works in the series. After the Parade and public celebrations were cancelled or minimized during the years of the pandemic, Zhu was moved to express her feelings in her art when celebrations finally returned in 2023.

This year, Chinese New Year begins on Wednesday, January 29th. The Spring Festival, which celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar, marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring with a multitude of lively traditions and celebrations. Visitors viewing Colors of Memory at the IAMA will be immersed in detailed paintings that depict popular elements of the Spring Festival such as dragon and lion dancing, lanterns, firecrackers, and wearing red, a traditional color symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

Ni Zhu, Girl with the Paper Dragon, oil on panel, 16 x 12 in.

Within the medial room of the galley, a selection of works devoted entirely to Chinese New Year in San Francisco can be seen, and familiar landmarks and streets easily identified. More works related to Zhu’s travels and memories line the outer walls of the exhibition space.

There are 33 paintings on display, with each one telling its own story. For Zhu, Parade in the Rain (pictured below) is particularly significant. It is currently on display in the medial room of the gallery, amongst all the other works located in San Francisco, and was inspired by San Francisco’s first Chinese New Year Parade in 2023, after they were reinstated following the pandemic. Featuring a troupe of young dancers in traditional costume and carrying instruments, the group looks out towards the unseen audience—the viewer. Zhu intended to capture the joy, resilience, and the unity of people celebrating together in the rain. Parade in the Rain captures a single moment amidst the celebrations where nostalgia of and hope are both evident. It is intended to be the closing statement for the series.

Ni Zhu, Parade in the Rain, oil on linen, 26 x 32 in.

Colors of Memory emphasizes the beauty of connection through time, space, and cultures, that regardless of viewers’ shared experiences ultimately reminds those about the importance of community and celebration. Zhu hopes that visitors will see themselves reflected in the artworks in any way, whether that is through culture, San Francisco, or even emotions, such as nostalgia, warmth, and resilience.

To young artists who are navigating their own cultural identities and artistic paths, Zhu says: “Embrace your roots and your journey—they’re what make your voice unique. Don’t be afraid to explore your heritage or let it evolve as you grow. Take inspiration from your surroundings, but stay true to what moves you personally.” Young artists should also seek opportunities to share their art with the community, which in turn encourages creativity and celebrates cultural diversity. The International Art Museum of America will be hosting its annual International Art Youth contest in July, and submissions from around the world will be accepted and displayed to continue fostering talent and creativity in each younger generation.

Colors of Memory will be on display at the International Art Museum of America until March 1st, 2025.

From the International Art Museum of America:

“Thank you, Ni, for sharing your incredible talent and story with us. It’s an honor to celebrate your work here during the Chinese New Year. As a fellow Academy of Art University alum, it’s especially meaningful to connect with you and witness how art continues to inspire and unite us.

I invite everyone to explore Colors of Memory and reflect on the beautiful themes of nostalgia and hope. Thank you for joining us, and let’s continue celebrating the joy that art brings!”

Emilio Jimenez, Development Manager

“We are so thrilled and honored to have Colors of Memory on display at the IAMA! It is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to see the collection and reflect upon what relates to them, whether that is joy in a rainy day, joy in a quiet walk through town, or witnessing a celebration of the new year. On behalf of the IAMA, I hope our galleries continue in connecting visitors through shared experiences and emotions.”

Hannah Taschek, Galleries Coordinator

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What is “Museums For All”?

Museums for All is a national, branded access program dedicated to making museums accessible to individuals of all backgrounds. Any museum type of institution is welcome to participate in the program. Museums for All is an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency based in Washington, DC. It is administered by the Association of Children’s Museums and IMLS. By providing free or discounted admission (up to a maximum of $3.00), Museums for All helps expand access to museums and raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities. By addressing financial and logistical barriers to visitation, Museums for All also aspires to be an effective strategy for mitigating the social and academic barriers individuals face when they are not exposed to high-quality museum experiences. To learn more about this initiative, please visit the Museums for All website.

Breaking Down Barriers: Museums for All recognizes the importance of equal access to cultural experiences, especially for low-income families. Instead of confining reduced admission to a specific day of the week or month, participating museums, including IAMA, are implementing a “year-round open door policy.” This groundbreaking approach ensures that reduced admission rates are available during all normal operating hours, maximizing flexibility for visitors.

Affordable Art Appreciation: With a year-round open door policy, IAMA provides free admission to all, including individuals and families who present a SNAP or EBT card at our front desk. Museums for All at IAMA is empowering underserved communities to embrace the beauty of art while encouraging lifelong museum habits. This initiative not only provides affordable access but also removes the limitations often associated with designated days, empowering the community to engage with art on their time and terms.

Museum access for all, especially for those in underserved communities, is vital for fostering cultural inclusivity and equal educational opportunities. By providing increased access to art and cultural institutions, individuals from diverse backgrounds can develop deeper a connection to art, creativity, and the beauty of human expression.

Day of Play, September 2023

Our most successful event since joining Museums For All in July 2023 was the Day of Play event in September 2023. Worldwide Day of Play is part of Nickelodeon’s Our World global initiative in collaboration with the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) to inspire kids and provide them with tools to activate their individual and collective agency. As part of a network of than 300 ACM member children’s museums, that reach millions of families in North America, and the more than 1,000 museums participating in Museums for All, IAMA was a vital collaborator in the Our World: Worldwide Day of Play. Bringing in over 35 visitors, people of all ages were able to experience the power of play and fun learning for free through arts and crafts, storytelling, and more.

On the morning of our Day of Play, IAMA offered children’s yoga with San Francisco yoga instructor Jennifer Sohn, to get children up and moving! Later, in the early afternoon, children and families gathered around for a storytelling session and mini-art lesson with the IAMA Event Coordinator. Listeners learned about the value of making a mark on the world after hearing Peter H. Reynolds’ books: “The Line” and “The Dot.” Afterward, they did just that using any art supplies to create a piece of art based on a single line or dot! At the end of the day, children were invited on a special guided tour – a tour with a scavenger hunt twist. The IAMA also offered arts-and-crafts tables with coloring pages, Chinese paper lantern making, watercolor or acrylic painting, and rock painting activities throughout the day.

Day of Play was a great day for all involved, and with the community’s support and participation, IAMA not only hopes to repeat the event annually, but to also host more art events and programs like this one in the coming year!

As we embark on this exciting journey with Museums for All in 2024, the International Art Museum of America invites you to be a part of a community that values art, accessibility, and inclusivity. We look forward to breaking down barriers, opening doors, and fostering a love for art that transcends financial constraints. Come join us in celebrating the power of art to inspire, educate, and unite us all. Keep an eye on our Events Calendar for Museums for All sponsored events throughout this year. Together, let’s make art truly accessible for everyone!

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The museum’s mission is to promote harmony and understanding between different cultures through the medium of art. Walking through the galleries, I could see this mission come to life. The museum has an impressive collection of art from all over the world, including Asia, Europe, and America. Each piece of art was carefully selected to showcase the diversity and beauty of different cultures.

One of the things I loved most about the International Art Museum of America is that it feels like a hidden treasure. Tucked between office buildings on Market Street, it can be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. But once you step inside, you’re transported to a world of art and culture that’s truly magical.

The museum is also immersive in a way that’s different from any other museum I’ve visited. As you walk through the 10,000 square feet of galleries, you’re surrounded by the art, with each piece and gallery room telling a unique story. I found myself getting lost in the beauty of each painting, sculpture, and artifact, completely forgetting about the world outside. The collection is a perfect fusion of art from all over the world, with 75% of the art being Chinese and 25% historical European art. You can truly see where the East meets the West, and the two schools of thought blend together in harmony at IAMA.

In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, IAMA features two rotating galleries: the Lightspace and Sip Art galleries. These rotating galleries showcase the work of emerging artists from around the world, and the works in the rotating galleries change every month. With such a diverse and ever-changing selection of art, there’s always something new to see and discover at IAMA, so multiple visits are encouraged!

It’s truly inspiring to see such a wonderful collection of art being made accessible to all. In a world where access to art can often be limited by cost, this museum offers an unparalleled opportunity for people from all walks and corners of life to experience the beauty and richness of art from around the world. By allowing anyone and everyone to visit without any financial barriers, the museum creates an inclusive environment that encourages artistic education, appreciation, and unity.Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the International Art Museum of America to anyone who loves art, culture, and diversity. The museum offers an exceptional opportunity to learn about different cultures and to appreciate the beauty of art from around the world. If you’re visiting San Francisco from out of town, or a local resident looking for an exciting adventure, be sure to check out this hidden gem and immerse yourself in the beauty of the International Art Museum of America, where the East meets the West in harmony.

By Michaela Kastelman

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Professor Wang’s works have been exhibited and widely acclaimed in the United States, China, Asia, and Europe. In 2008, the United States Congress held an exhibition of the professor’s works, calling her art a “treasure of the world.” The U.S. Congressional Record chronicled the recognition that “her lotus flower paintings are unsurpassed and are extremely valuable.” Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang has also been critically acclaimed by news media that “she fuses vivacity, power, color, scholarly essence, quintessence of stone and bronze inscriptions, spirituality, erudition, and morality into oneness in her art. She is the foremost artist in the world.” Back in 2013, out of the works of all painters, the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations (WFUCA) awarded the title “WFUCA2013” to the artworks of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang.

The Kingdom of Thailand’s Department of Culture especially organized a solo exhibition of the art of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang at their Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center in Bangkok. The Department of Culture also notified all university and middle school teachers and students to visit the exhibition and study the artworks. In 2019, When Professor Wang’s solo exhibition was held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center that used to be the Sino-Soviet Friendship Building, a record-breaking number of people visited the show. The Museum Director Wu Shufang stated that the museum had never experienced such an overwhelming number of visitors since its official opening, and for this exhibition, they had to post notices to limit admission.

In 2019, when her works were exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris, guests – including artists, collectors, and art critics – were thrilled and overwhelmed with joy, praise, and admiration. They felt that the French people had never had such an experience before. The experts acclaimed that Prof. Yuhua Shouzhi Wang is a virtuoso of equal standing as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gaugain, and Monet They said, “Professor Wang’s paintings are so magnificent that they amaze us. We have never thought that the level of artistry of Eastern ink painting can surpass that of a few centuries of Western traditions. Professor Wang is the only one who has achieved that.”

Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang’s artworks were exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris in 2019.

Renowned art critic Aude de Kerros has commented: “I have curated and critiqued so many art exhibitions, yet I have never seen an exhibition like this where all the guests are so touched and amazed by the art, and all of them expressed praise. I truly cannot describe their surprise and joy. The art experts do not even want to leave after seeing such exquisite artworks. You can see that so many people are staying this late and they are not leaving.” Professor Peter Drake, Provost of the New York Academy of Art, presented a certificate to recognize Prof. Yuhua Shouzhi Wang‘s extraordinary contributions to representational and abstract art, stating “Dr. Wang’s exceptional accomplishment has been to straddle the often-oppositional worlds of representation and abstraction. Her works are both finely crafted and deeply experiential, instilling the viewer with a sense of art that both comes from nature and is nature itself.” The Provost also personally led graduate students to the International Art Museum of America to see Professor Wang’s artworks in the Museum’s collection. He also gave lectures on site. Faculty members and students were all thrilled to see the original paintings in the museum, and they studied the artworks by copying them.

On December 20, 2020, the UNESCO convention was held on the occasion of the 2020 United Nations International Day for Human Solidarity, and the United Nations Secretary-General His Excellency António Guterres attended in person and delivered a speech. During the convention, the Chairman of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations Guy Djoken proclaimed Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang’s title and level of artistic achievement, which was based on a determination of the artistry accomplished by the Professor in her paintings. The issuance of the “International First-Class Artist” title to Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang on December 20 was a determinative recognition that Professor Wang has attained the highest level of achievement among international first-class artists. This is the ultimate world class title for artistic accomplishment, and Professor Wang is the only Asian artist who has ever received such a title.

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen congratulated Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang for being honored with the title recognizing her as a world-class international artist on December 20. On December 29, Chairman Guy Djoken went to the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco to personally present the title certificate to Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang.

Professor Wang is a person of humility and noble morality. She is modest, unassuming, beneficent, and genial. The characteristics of an artist’s paintings essentially reflect the character of the painter.

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