(Clearwisdom.net) The International Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition is being held in Chilung, Taiwan beginning on January 14, 2009, and shows for one month. This exhibition of paintings has been held in more than forty countries around the world. The paintings are by a group of accomplished artists with different backgrounds from Canada, US, and Taiwan.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held on January 15. Chang Tung-jung, mayor of Chilung City, Yang Chia-chieh, director of Cultural Bureau, Councilor Cai Shi-ying, Lian Hai-sheng, principal of Chonghe Primary School, Lai Li-wen, principal of Yuemei Primary School, Huang Mao-song, chairman of the 300F16 branch of the International Association of Lions Clubs, and many invited guests attended the ceremony.

Mayor Mr. Chang of Chilung City said in his speech, "The International Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition is an international art tour. Chilung is an international harbor. Such pure, benevolent and graceful paintings have been brought to the local people, and I am very pleased to see so many guests here. I hope that you can tell everyone you know about the exhibition so that they too can view the paintings."

Lian Hai-sheng, principal of Chonghe Primary School, is a big supporter of arts education. His artworks received awards in the Korea Olympics Art Exhibition and Asian art exhibition. He was touched by the delicate facial expressions in the paintings and their powerful theme. He believes that the paintings are educational and suitable for a wide audience, and he expressed hope that his students and their parents could visit the exhibition.

Mr. Lian said, "There are touching stories behind the paintings. Such artworks of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance can purify one's heart. In the paintings, whether the victims [of the persecution in China] were dying or not, the family members remain calm in commemoration. It demonstrates life and the strong tolerance of the Asian people. I can see that these artists have high level skills. Though the people are persecuted, the paintings are still full of grace."

Huang Mao-song, chairman of the 300F16 branch of the International Association of Lions Clubs, pointed out, "These paintings are touching. The persecution exposed in the paintings is horrible. My attitude toward Falun Gong has made a big change. When I saw Falun Gong practitioners' march before, I felt indifferent. I didn't know why Falun Gong was persecuted. Today, I know the facts after seeing the paintings."

Mr. Huang continued, "The persecution is occurring on the other side of the strait. It is hurtful. One person calling for an end of the persecution has a limited effect. But such an exhibition touring the world can gather many people with conscience, forming a strong power and having an impact."

The art exhibition is being held from January 14 to February 15, 2009, at the third-floor gallery of the Chilung Art Center. Sixty paintings in seven sections are on display. There is a true story behind each painting, and a free tour guide is available. The hosting organizations are the Chilung City Government and the Cultural Bureau. They invite all Chilung citizens to view the paintings.