Manman has always loved painting, and in the last year has returned to it over and over to express
the reactions to the developing world and people around us.

Manman’s academic background concentrated in history and education. Her professional side has been dedicated to teaching children Mandarin and Chinese culture. And until more recently, Manman discovered there is no better way to express feelings other than by painting them. The colors flowed and she taught herself to use watercolor and acrylic- -- two very different mediums, to be chosen depending on the subject and mood.  

During the last year, most of the scenes in her paintings were inspired by places and events in and around Maplewood. She sketches many of the town’s sights, including the schools, library, parks and streets in different seasons, as well as local bagel shops and pizzerias.