Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland officially opened the 2026 10th Art Salon Session 1 on 15 August. Nearly 200 guests gathered to celebrate this significant milestone marking a decade of artistic exchange and community connection. Distinguished guests included Curator Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery New Zealand, Director General Kevin LIN of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Howick Local Board members Damian Light and Adele White, Assistant Priest Reverend Lucy Nguyen of the Anglican Parish of Howick, Ormiston Primary School Principal Heath McNeil, Flat Bush Primary School Deputy Principal Janetta Mayerhofler, O Wairoa Marae Māori elder John Dobson, participating artists and members of the local community.
Abbess Manshin expressed her gratitude to the 108 artists participating in the session 1 exhibition, who contributed more than 650 artworks that have brought richness and vitality to the Art Salon’s 10th anniversary celebration. Reflecting on the origins of the Art Salon, Abbess recalled a conversation in 2017 with Adele White, then a member of the Howick Local Board, who highlighted the need for a local platform where artists could showcase their work. This conversation inspired the establishment of the Art Salon.
The inaugural exhibition featured 32 artists, and more than 500 artists have participated over the past decade. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the Art Salon continued online. Abbess Manshin expressed her appreciation for the artists’ longstanding participation and shared the Buddhist wisdom of the nonduality of emptiness and existence. Quoting Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founding Master of the FGS Buddhist Order, Abbess explained that emptiness provides the space and capacity for creativity, transformation and new possibilities to emerge. The Abbess said the Art Salon would continue to foster harmony and positive energy in the community.
Director General Kevin LIN thanked the organisers, volunteers and participating artists. He shared his appreciation for the way Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery brings people together through art and creates meaningful connections that contribute to greater harmony in society.
Artist Bob Markstein thanked the Gallery for providing artists with a platform to share their work with the public. He said such opportunities are invaluable and noted that what has touched him most is the way the Gallery has cared for its artists like family over the years.
Artist Lisa Watkins, who first participated last year, also praised the care shown to both artists and their works. She said the Art Salon values not only the artworks but also the people behind them, offering artists a meaningful sense of understanding, respect and recognition.
To honour those who have supported the Art Salon over the past decade, Abbess Manshin presented several commemorative awards. These included the Longstanding Artist Award for artists who have exhibited for six years or more, the Lifetime Inspiration Award for those who have devoted themselves passionately to artistic creation throughout their lives, and the Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award for individuals who have consistently supported both the Art Salon and the local arts community.
The Founding Vision and Distinguished Support Award was presented to Adele White in recognition of her contribution to the Art Salon’s founding vision and her continued support over the past decade. Adele said the Art Salon provides opportunities for both established and emerging artists, while also bringing members of the wider community to the Temple. She described the Temple as a special place that people are naturally drawn to return to.
From 32 artists in 2017 to 108 artists and more than 650 works this year, the Art Salon continues to grow with the support of artists, volunteers and the community, fostering harmony through art.
