The Oxford Chinese Brush Painting Group recently had their work showcased at an exhibition in Abingdon which saw the town's mayor in attendance.

The exhibition was held in the Cafe at 35 Ock Street in Abingdon towards the end of May.

Abingdon's mayor, councillor Gabby Barody, was impressed by the community the group is building through Chinese brush painting, using virtual meetings, workshops and monthly gatherings.

Oxford Mail: Abingdon mayor Gabby Barody (right) visited the groupAbingdon mayor Gabby Barody (right) visited the group (Image: Oxford Chinese Brush Painting Group)

Recognising the importance of community involvement in mental health resilience, Ms Barody expressed an interest in strengthening Abingdon's communities by encouraging the use under-utilised buildings for community purposes.

The art group said the mayor is very interested in strengthening Abingdon communities and that she also mentioned various grants that are available to encourage involvement from the community.

A member of the group has organised a display featuring a collection of artworks from contemporary Chinese artists in the Squires Gallery at Wantage Museum.

The exhibition began on June 1 and will run until June 27.

The group studies the Four Treasures of Chinese painting and calligraphy, which are brush, ink stick, inkstone and paper.

The art group assembles on the last Thursday of every month at the Stanton Harcourt Village Hall.

The group also benefits from Zoom tours to contemporary exhibitions and artists' studios in China, organised by member Jing Li.

This exposure to the global art community benefits the group's members by allowing them to share knowledge and techniques.