The CCACC Art Gallery will host the Opening Reception of the solo exhibition "Serendipity: The Art of Nellie Chao" on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 p.m. We warmly welcome both old and new friends to join us for this elegant gathering, meet the artist in person, and enjoy an intimate atmosphere to appreciate her creative journey and artistic vision.
Nellie Chao was born in Shanghai, China, and received her education in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States. Her journey into Chinese brush painting and calligraphy began in the early 1990s, during which she studied under the guidance of master painters and calligraphers.
In addition to her own artistic practice, Ms. Chao is devoted to promoting Chinese art. She has held numerous solo and group exhibitions, and has led workshops in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida. She is also frequently invited to give lectures and live demonstrations at schools, colleges, nonprofit organizations, and art festivals across the Greater Washington area, including the internationally renowned National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Among the works on display, the Watercolor on Gold Board series stands out most prominently. The interplay of golden surfaces and bold colors creates an effect at once lavish and profound. The calligraphy section features both semi-cursive script and standard script, with strokes that are powerful yet resonant. Particularly striking are the small collage pieces from the Kimono Series, which showcase the elegance of traditional East Asian attire through intricate design and refined execution.
Exhibition Details
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 13, 2025, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: September, 6 – October 31, 2025
Gallery Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Gallery Address: 9318 Gaither Road, Suite 215, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Parking & Admission: Free
(Article by CCACC Art Gallery)
"How Green is my Valley" , Watercolor on Gold Board, 2018
"Sunset over the Chesapeake Bay" , Watercolor on Gold Board, 2022
"Tiger Lily" , Watercolor & Chinese ink on rice paper, 2015
"Insights come from beyond the mundane, Protry arises from stillness" in semi-cursive script, Chinese ink on rice paper, 2018
Kimono Bin piece