Xiao Rusong Art Park

The Xiao Rusong Art Park was established to commemorate Mr. Xiao Rusong, an important pioneer artist from Hsinchu. Its aim is to preserve his former residence, revitalize it, and give the space a new purpose. This park serves not only as a sanctuary of art but also as a fount of inspiration, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of this artist who profoundly impacted Taiwan's art history. -Mr. Xiao Rusong: September 20, 1922 – April 14, 1992- •Artistic Achievements: Xiao Rusong was a contemporary watercolor painter of Hakka descent from Taiwan. Starting in 1950, his painting style uniquely blended various influences such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Fauvism, incorporating the lines and brushstrokes of traditional Eastern calligraphy. He participated in numerous provincial exhibitions, Taiyang exhibitions, Qingyun exhibitions, and the Provincial Teachers and Staff Art Exhibition, earning multiple awards and exemption from provincial exhibition reviews. His works are collected by institutions including the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. •Teaching Style: Mr. Xiao was guided by Japanese teachers such as Shiotsuki Tōho and Arikawa Takeo, and by Li Zefan, maintaining an unwavering passion for artistic creation. In his teaching, he emphasized discipline, requiring students to clean the classroom before every art class—a practice that left a deep impression on them. His disciplined life, waking at 5 AM and arriving at school promptly at 7 AM, earned him the nickname 'The One Who Wakes the Sun.' Mr. Xiao deeply loved his homeland and cultivated his roots in Taiwan, becoming known as 'The Interpreter of Hsinchu County's Beauty.' -Architectural Features of the Art Park- •Roof Design: The park's roof design is in the Japanese 'Irimoya-zukuri' (hip-and-gable roof) style, featuring a short, gentle slope covered with traditional Japanese tiles ('Nihon-gawara'). 'Onigawara' (demon tiles) adorn the ends of the ridge and hip rakes, while ventilation windows are integrated into the triangular gables to prevent moisture damage to the wooden roof structure. •Wall Structure: The walls are divided into three sections: the upper part is 'Shin-kabe' (solid lath-and-plaster walls), the middle part features wooden lattice ventilation windows, and the lower part consists of 'Shoji' (paper screens) or 'Fusuma' (sliding doors). The exterior of the verandas is entirely fitted with wooden-framed glass windows, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and practicality of the architecture. -Cultural Activities and Exhibitions- The park regularly hosts various cultural activities and art exhibitions, attracting numerous art enthusiasts and visitors. These events not only showcase the diversity of art but also foster dialogue between art and society, allowing participants to experience the charm and value of art. -Community Engagement and Education- The Xiao Rusong Art Park places great emphasis on community engagement, frequently organizing workshops and lectures that allow the public to personally experience the joy of art creation. These activities not only enhance the artistic literacy of community residents but also strengthen their sense of identity with local culture and promote community cohesion. -Park Landscape- The park's design evokes the ambiance of a Japanese garden, where lush green landscapes beautifully complement the artworks, allowing every visitor to feel relaxed and inspired, thus enhancing the park's appeal. The Xiao Rusong Art Park serves not only as a commemoration of Mr. Xiao Rusong's artistic achievements but also as a legacy of his teaching philosophy and life attitude. Through this park, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of this influential artist and his contributions to Hsinchu County's culture. By effectively inventorying and connecting resources, Zhudong Township's cultural assets will continue to develop and attract increased attention and participation, becoming a vital platform for promoting art and culture.