Korean Treasures Exhibition Tour
(from Linda Devine)
OCAW-MD and OCAW-VA members, family, and friends enjoyed an informative guided tour of the “Korean Treasures” exhibition, currently on display at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in downtown Washington, D.C. The event was organized by the OCAW
Maryland Chapter, and took place on Monday, January 5, 2026. The starting time of 11 a.m. on a weekday was deliberately selected as a time when the museum would have fewer visitors, thus making for optimal viewing of the exhibition.
The tour was led by docent Camilla Ng, former OCAW-MD President and former OCAW-VA Acting President. She invited her fellow docent, John Brennan, to join the group to lend his additional insights into the various artworks. The two leaders had spent countless hours researching Korean history and the backgrounds of the display pieces, and imparted their knowledge to the tour participants. We learned a lot from the pieces in the ten areas encompassed by the exhibition, during the two-and-a-half-hour event, and we were very grateful to Camilla and John for sharing their valuable time with us.
(from Camilla Ng, former OCAW-MD President and former OCAW-VA Acting President)
This is the first U.S. exhibition of significant historical and modern works from South Korea. Selected from the 23,000 pieces in the donated collection of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee and his family, gifted to the nation of South Korea in 2021, the exhibition features more than 200 masterworks of Korean art, including a dozen National Treasures. It celebrates the Lee family’s gift to the Korean nation.
“Collecting and preserving cultural heritage ensures the future of human culture. I feel called upon to put these thoughts into action.” – Lee Kun-hee opening speech at the Leeum Museum of Art, 2004
Chaekgado: Scholar’s Accoutrements in a Bookcase, Joseon dynasty, 19th century
Six-panel folding screen; ink and color on paper; National Museum of Korea
Chaekgado are paintings that depict books arranged on shelves along with scholarly interest objects, antiques, flowers, fruits, and ceramics. This genre was introduced from China in the 18th century to Joseon Korea. King Jeongjo commissioned court painters from Dohwaseo (Royal Bureau of Painting) to produce chaekgado as a backdrop for his office to reflect his love of books and appreciation for learning. Chaekgado features a
diverse array of objects that reflect the flourishing commerce of the late Joseon period, when both rare books and opulent items began arriving through tributary missions to the Qing dynasty court in Beijing.
This visual tradition originated with the Chinese duobaoge (cabinet of many treasures) which were used to store or display precious objects. However, Korean chaekgado were distinguished from the Chinese duobaoge by the prominence of books.
This six-panel folding screen shows exquisite items imported from China, and includes colorful ceramics, ancient bronzeware, and scholar’s accoutrements like brushes, brush holders, inkstones, and seals. There are items that carry auspicious meanings. For example, carp, on a raised stand, inspired by the Chinese legend of carp swimming upstream, leaping through Longmen to transform into a dragon, symbolizes the aspiration to achieve high rank by passing the civil service examination. Fruits with many seeds, such as pomegranates and watermelons, symbolize fertility and prosperity. Coral represents success as it was worn exclusively by high-ranking officials in China. European items such as eyeglasses imported through China were included.
A notable feature is the Western painting style of the use of linear perspective and shading to create a sense of depth – introduced to China through Jesuit missionaries – to create the illusion of volume.
Luncheon in Honor of Rose Li
(from Kitty Hsu Dana, Vice President)
OCAW Maryland members gathered on Friday, November 14, 2025 to celebrate the achievements of Lifetime member Rose Li, named 2024 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. In addition, Rose received top awards from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and the International Leadership Foundation.
The occasion was also a perfect time to welcome new Chapter President Patricia Fenn. Over a tasty lunch at the China Garden restaurant in Rockville, MD, members reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Among the group were former chapter presidents Camilla Ng, Christina Wong Poy, and Suzy Hung, as well as interim president Maria Yang, OCAW National President who stepped in to support the Maryland Chapter over the past year.
Rose’s story of her journey was the centerpiece of the luncheon. Her parents were born in China, relocated to Taiwan, then came to the United States. Rose grew up in a frugal home that valued learning. Her path was not a straight line; rather, it was shaped by curiosity, responsibilities, and opportunities. Rose always chose her jobs based on interest, the chance to make a positive impact, and the people she got to work with.
Rose’s journey into the field of aging began with a research fellowship focused on aging in Asia. Through these studies, she uncovered a common thread: the importance of reinforcing social and familial bonds. This theme resonated throughout her career – from the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, to her decision to start her own business. After meeting a self-imposed two-year deadline to demonstrate the business was sustainable, Rose Li and Associates (RLA) grew to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2023!
From humble beginnings as a one-person shop in 2003, to a thriving team of 60 employees at its peak before DOGE contract terminations reduced its ranks, RLA remains strong and vibrant today with 35 employees.
Rose spoke of the parable about the Chinese farmer and his horse as she reflected on a journey guided by chance encounters and unforeseen circumstances. Yet her north star has always been constant: a commitment to make a positive impact in the world – as quickly and efficiently as possible!
Anti-aging and Wellness Zoom Presentation
(from Maria Yang, former Acting Maryland President and National President)
The OCAW Maryland Chapter was excited to invite Dr. Cui Wei to join OCAW-MD and OCAW-VA for an engaging and informative Zoom session on anti-aging and wellness, entitled “Aging Decoding,” on Saturday, November 22, 2025. He shared practical tips on hair care, cancer and stroke screenings, wrinkle treatments, and more. It was an excellent opportunity to learn how to stay healthy and vibrant!
Dr. Cui shared his experience as a primary care doctor with 20 years of practice, discussing the aging process and strategies for healthy aging. He explained that aging involves changes both inside and outside the body, with inflammation among the theories underlying these changes. Dr. Cui emphasized that while aging is a natural process, there are ways to make it easier, such as avoiding damage and maintaining compensatory mechanisms. He also touched on anti-aging efforts, mentioning some celebrities and their approaches to maintaining a youthful appearance.
OCAW Maryland Appreciation Luncheon for Lifetime Members
(from Maria Yang, National President and Acting OCAW-MD President)
We were delighted to host a special Appreciation Luncheon in honor of the lifelong dedication and support of our lifetime members on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Hong Kong Pearl Seafood Restaurant in Gaithersburg, Maryland (formerly known as New Fortune Restaurant).
This gathering celebrated nine lifetime members from the Maryland Chapter, along with two members and a spouse from the Virginia Chapter. Over delicious Dim Sum, we enjoyed the warmth of friendship, the spirit of community, and the joy of a mid-summer reunion. For those who had not yet received a copy of Remembering Shanghai: A Memoir of Socialites, Scholars and Scoundrels, written by OCAW Hawaii Chapter member Claire Chao and her mother, complimentary books
were given to these members. OCAW Maryland once again thanks Claire for her generosity in gifting these books to OCAW chapters!
The mission of OCAW is to advocate for the needs and concerns of Chinese and other Asian Pacific American women by working to improve their educational, economic, social, and political opportunities. We also honor their excellence, leadership, and contributions to the quality of life in our communities. OCAW is a nonpartisan organization, and membership is open to individuals who share this mission’s values.
Currently, OCAW Maryland is seeking a new chapter president. As acting president, I encourage any member interested in stepping into a leadership role to reach out. OCAW National stands ready to offer support and guidance as we plan for the future leadership of our Maryland Chapter.
Linda Devine’s note: Maryland members thank Maria for arranging this wonderful luncheon. In her article, of course she would be too modest to say this, but Maria, with her usual extreme generosity, surprised everyone by picking up the tab for the luncheon. And this is certainly not the first time that OCAW members have benefited from her generosity!
We who received Maria’s hospitality this time wanted to acknowledge her special treat for the day. All of us there had a really nice time getting together with our fellow sisters, so thank you very much, Maria!
Duanwu Jie / Dragon Boat Festival: History, Culture, and Culinary Treats
This was a combined project with Maryland and Virginia chapters.
Click here to go to Virginia’s page for the article.
Library of Congress Cultural Event in Celebration of AAPI Heritage Month
(from Kitty Hsu Dana, Vice President)
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Library of Congress Asian American Association hosted a splendid event at the Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., to highlight the rich contributions of our communities. The program paired a significant Keynote on Feng Shui with rich musical performances. OCAW members were invited to attend this event, and Maryland members were proud to support it with our presence. We embraced the opportunity to celebrate our identity and to enjoy and cheer the accomplished presenters.
Keynote by Khadro Crystal Chu Rinpoche, renowned spiritual teacher, Feng Shui educator, and consultant, writer, and international lecturer, opened the event with her presentation, “Feng Shui: Creating Balance and
Harmony in Your Life.” She has been invited to lecture and teach at distinguished institutions and
organizations worldwide, including United Nations staff groups, the Library of Congress Asian American Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture FAPAC, the Harvard Medical School Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute, New York University, the University of London, the University of New South Wales in Australia, George Mason University, and many others.
In addition to teaching Buddhist philosophy, spiritual cultivation, meditation, and spiritual personal growth, she also offers the Two Year Feng Shui Certification Program and the Advanced Feng Shui Mentorship Program. These programs are designed to transmit the most authentic Black Sect Esoteric Buddhism Feng Shui teachings and to train highly qualified Feng Shui practitioners and consultants.
As lineage holder and spiritual leader of the Fifth Stage of Black Sect Esoteric Buddhism, Khadro Crystal spoke about Feng Shui as a key factor in harmonizing individuals with the living and working environment that they build. Feng Shui integrates spirituality with modern adaptability, revealing adjustments that can be made on our surroundings to enhance people’s health, prosperity, and success. By incorporating principles of Feng Shui into daily life, individuals can align their energy with their environments to foster balance and harmony in all aspects of life.
The beautiful musical program featured exquisite and exciting performances by artists from several Washington area cultural groups. The Washington Dunhuang Guzheng Academy (WDGA) has been dedicated to promoting traditional Chinese culture through innovative performances of guzheng artistry by
integrating both Western and traditional Chinese instruments, teaching, and community engagement. We were treated to lovely music of an ensemble of five young girls and a moving solo by Lei Gu, founder of the Academy and noted organizer of Sino-American cultural exchanges.
The Orange Ribbon
Cooperation with Maryland and Virginia Chapters. Click this link Orange Ribbon to see article in Virginia section.
“Stop Asian Hate Vigil and Rally”
The numbers of racism and hate incidents increase all over our country. We cannot keep silent and need to have our voices heard.
On Saturday, March 27, 2021, Christina Chang and her husband Steve attended the “Stop Asian Hate Vigil and Rally” at Cheverly Legion Park in Prince George’s County, MD. Amy Fry, a member of the Cheverly Town Council and also a Korean American, organized this event in a short week, and over 100 people of different diversity show up.
During the rally, we shared one message, ‘Stop Anti-Asian Hate,’ while also acknowledging the pain the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are feeling, and have felt for years.
We need to be careful and be aware of our surroundings. Stay vigilant and report any hate crime right away.
Maryland State has two numbers to report incidents: Emergency number: 911
Non-emergency number: 301-279-8000
Both numbers will reach the same office, but the emergency number will take priority.
Note: WUSA9, a local CBS affiliate, aired a story about the protest.