In the mid-1980s, attracted by the vigorous charm of traditional Chinese ink and wash art, Ms. Phyllis Bennett, an art teacher from California, USA, with her eyes of wisdom and love, led a delegation for the first time and came all the way to China Academy of Art in Hangzhou to study traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting for a month. 

Phyllis Bennett in Shaoxing in 1985

Phyllis Bennett and Dean Xiao Feng on the Closing Ceremony for Short-term Training Course in 1987

Group Photo of Teachers and Students of the Short-term Training Course in 1988

When she returned home, she opened a traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting class in her hometown in California, USA. For more than 30 years, the fragrance of books and ink permeates the campus by the West Lake, and generations of students there gained personal experience of Chinese calligraphy and painting techniques and interest through writing, copying and drawing, and feel the spirit and quality of “peace and elegance” in Chinese culture. 

A Student of the Short-term Training Course at the Gate of the Old Campus in 1990

Group Photo of Teachers and Students of the Short-term Training Course in 1994

Group Photo of Students of the Short-term Training Course in 1998

Photo of Phyllis Bennett and Prof. Ren Daobin in 2006

Teacher Liu Haiyong Gave Lessons on Bird-and flower Painting for the Short-term Training Course in 2006

Phyllis Bennett in the Classroom in 2007

Group Photo of Teachers and Students of the Short-term Training Course in 2007

Phyllis Bennett Received the Souvenir for the 80th anniversary of China Academy of Art in 2008

Vice President Gao Shiming Awarded the Certificate of Honor to Ms. Phyllis Bennett, Received by Ms. He Anle

Group Photo of Phyllis Bennett, He Anle and Prof. Wang Dongling in 2009

Ms. Phyllis Bennett has shared her love for Chinese calligraphy and painting and China Academy of Art with generations of Americans.

Group Photo of Teachers and Students of the Short-term Training Course in 2010

Group Photo of Teachers and Students of the Short-term Training Course in 2011

Group Photo of the Short-term Training Course with Prof. Wu Xiansheng in 2011

Phyllis Bennett Painted from Life in Longjing in 2013

Ms. He Anle Delivered the Certificate of Honor After Returning Home