The opening ceremony for Session 2 of the 10th Art Salon 2026 took place at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland on 17 October 2026, featuring over 650 artworks by more than 100 local artists. Nearly 200 guests attended, including Abbess Manshin, Curator of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery New Zealand; MP Rima NAKHLE of Takanini; Inspector Anson LIN, Northern Communications Centre Commander of New Zealand Police; Howick Local Board Members Mr Damian LIGHT and Ms Adele WHITE; Howick Photographic Society President Doug MITCHELL; senior journalist MS Farida MASTER; artists and community representatives.
Curator Abbess Manshin reflected on the vision of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order’s Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, whose philosophy of connecting communities through culture inspired the Art Salon. Abbess highlighted its growth into an annual celebration of creativity over the past decade, expressing gratitude to the artists for sharing their life experiences through art. Abbess also acknowledged the friendships and cultural connections through the arts, enriching the wider community.
MP NAKHLE praised FGS Buddhist Temple New Zealand for its longstanding commitment to community harmony and thanked Abbess Manshin and the volunteers for their dedication. She shared that visiting the Temple always brings her a sense of peace amid her busy schedule and commended the artists for inspiring others through their creativity. Senior journalist Farida MASTER reflected on the Art Salon’s remarkable growth, recognising the Temple’s role in connecting artists, schools, police and the wider community. She emphasised the importance of overcoming hatred through love and replacing division with unity.
Artist Craig CORNWALL expressed appreciation for the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery’s peaceful environment and its respect and support for artists, providing a meaningful space for creative expression. Artist Larry ABRENO reflected on his nine-year connection with the Art Salon, describing the Temple as a place of belonging and personal growth. He thanked Abbess Manshin and the Temple for their continued encouragement throughout his artistic journey.
During the ceremony, Abbess Manshin presented the Distinguished Loyalty Award to artists who had participated nine times, the Longstanding Artist Recognition Award to seven-year participants, and the Lifetime Inspiration Award to senior artists in recognition of their enduring dedication to creativity. Award recipients expressed appreciation for the friendships and shared experiences developed over the years.
The youngest participating artist, Logan BOW, received the Young Creative Innovator Award. In his third Art Salon appearance, he introduced his calligraphy sculpture The Path Ahead Is Open (向前有路), inspired by Venerable Master’s New Year blessing received during his 2025 visit to Fo Guang Shan Headquarters Monastery in Taiwan. The message echoed encouragement from his late grandmother in a dream, inspiring him to combine sculpture with the Founding Master’s One-Stroke Calligraphy to convey hope and strength.
The Gallery team expressed gratitude to the Abbess for guiding the exhibition’s thoughtful arrangement, bringing harmony to the artworks and exhibition space. The dedication of the installation team, kitchen volunteers, reception team, BLIA youth, photographers and BLIA members contributed to a successful opening ceremony, leaving guests with lasting memories.
Over the past decade, the Art Salon has become a platform for artistic expression, friendship and mutual growth. Through the artists’ creativity and the Gallery’s sincere service, lasting relationships built on trust and shared aspirations have flourished. Under the leadership of Abbess Manshin, the Curator of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery New Zealand continues its commitment to fostering harmony and preserving truth, goodness and beauty through art.
