CCACC Art Gallery Successfully Hosted a Special Exhibition Celebrating 2026 AAPI Heritage Month

To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, CCACC Art Gallery has presented a themed special exhibition every May, paying tribute to multiculturalism through art. Over the years, this tradition has become one of the most meaningful annual cultural events of the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC). This year, Ms. Rita S. Lewi (Executive Director of CCACC & Director of CCACC Art Gallery) specially invited New York-based artist Dr. Gan Yu to exhibit 16 thought-provoking and visually powerful artworks distinguished by their profound concepts and refined techniques.

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month Together

The exhibition opening reception was grandly held on the afternoon of May 9 and attracted numerous distinguished guests, art enthusiasts, and community members. The event began with welcome remarks delivered by Ms. Li-Fang C. Liu (Deputy Executive Director of CCACC).

Following the opening remarks, E.D. Lewi warmly welcomed guests from all sectors to participate in this meaningful artistic celebration commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, while also expressing heartfelt gratitude to the community for its longstanding support of CCACC Art Gallery.

Deputy E.D. Liu also noted that this year marked the 10th anniversary of CCACC Art Gallery. Over the past decade, E.D. Lewi has passionately cultivated a vibrant cultural and artistic environment within the community, dedicating herself to advancing community arts development and providing artists with an important platform to showcase their talents and exchange creative ideas.

Reuniting Longtime Supporters and Welcoming New Friends

E.D. Lewi then invited Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to deliver remarks. County Executive Elrich thanked CCACC Art Gallery for continuously organizing special exhibitions celebrating AAPI Heritage Month over the years. In his remarks, he highly praised the significant contributions of the Asian American community to Montgomery County's multiculturalism and community development. He also stated that the County government would continue supporting the Asian American community and the development of arts and culture. In recognition of CCACC's longstanding contributions to the community, he presented a proclamation to the organization.

Many of the distinguished guests in attendance were longtime supporters and valued community partners of CCACC and CCACC Art Gallery, including Dr. Clarence K. Lam (Maryland State Senator), Ms. Lily Qi (Maryland State Delegate), Ms. Christina Poy (Administrative Director of the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives), Dr. Yang Yu (Chair of the Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs), Mr. Maxwell Uy (Montgomery County Sheriff), and Mr. Yi Shen (Asian Liaison from the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships).

During their remarks, many guests collectively praised CCACC Art Gallery for not only creating an outstanding platform for artistic and cultural exchange within the community over the years, but also for bringing people together through art, enriching spiritual and cultural life, and integrating the beauty of culture into everyday life while fostering a strong sense of humanity within the community.

Notably, Dr. Clarence K. Lam (Maryland State Senator) presented Dr. Gan Yu with a personally signed proclamation in recognition of his outstanding artistic achievements and his contributions to enhancing the cultural impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month through art. Mr. Maxwell Uy (Montgomery County Sheriff) also presented the artist with a commemorative sheriff's badge symbolizing honor and recognition.

Artistic Reflections on Markets and Culture

During the opening reception, Dr. Gan Yu warmly interacted with guests and thoughtfully shared his artistic philosophy and creative journey, guiding audiences into the intellectual and emotional world behind his works. Guests and attendees also wrote messages and reflections on the interactive artwork "A Moving Mountain: Dow Jones' First Decade of the 21st Century," making audience participation itself a distinctive artistic element of the exhibition.

For many years, Dr. Gan Yu has explored the profound relationship between global finance, market systems, and cultural consciousness. He believes that the global financial market represents the largest form of "collective behavioral art" in human history.

This exhibition, titled "Market Forces & Cultural Identity", ingeniously transforms the stock market into a visual medium shaped by the intersection of contemporary politics, economics, technology, culture, and art. Through a unique artistic language, the exhibition portrays the structure and spirit of modern society, inviting deep reflection from viewers.

CCACC Art Gallery warmly invites art enthusiasts and community members to visit the exhibition and experience the humanistic reflections behind market dynamics and the spirit of the times as expressed through art.

Exhibition Information

Exhibition Dates: May 9 – July 1, 2026

Gallery Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: 9318 Gaither Road, Suite 215, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Parking & Admission: Free

Contact: 301-820-7200 ext. 8522

(Article by CCACC Art Gallery)

Front row: Ms. Rita S. Lewi, Executive Director of CCACC & Director of CCACC Art Gallery; Back row from left to right: Ms. Li-Fang C. Liu, Deputy Executive Director of CCACC; Ms. Christina Poy, Administrative Director of the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives; Ms. Lily Qi, Maryland State Delegate; Dr. Yang Yu, Chair of the Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs; Mr. Maxwell Uy, Montgomery County Sheriff; Dr. Clarence K. Lam, Maryland State Senator; Mr. Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive; and Ms. Chiao-Chiao Liu, Director of CCACC Community Services.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich delivered remarks.

Distinguished guests took turns speaking and sharing their appreciation for the exhibition.

Dr. Clarence K. Lam, Maryland State Senator, presented proclamations to both CCACC and artist Dr. Gan Yu.

Ms. Lily Qi, Maryland State Delegate, presented a personally signed proclamation to CCACC Art Gallery.

Mr. Maxwell Uy, Montgomery County Sheriff, presented the artist with a commemorative sheriff's badge symbolizing honor and recognition.

Dr. Gan Yu shared the thoughts and concepts behind his artwork with the County Executive Elrich.

County Executive Elrich and Mr. Yi Shen viewed the exhibited artworks together.

Dr. Gan Yu and Ms. Christina Poy posed for a photo in front of one of the artworks.

County Executive Marc Elrich left a message on the interactive artwork "A Moving Mountain: Dow Jones' First Decade of the 21st Century".