Karamay hosted a painting and calligraphy exhibition titled "Karamay People" at the Karamay International Culture and Creativity Park on Aug 22.

The exhibition showcased a series of huge oil paintings with the common theme of "Karamay People". The artworks comprised 20 pieces and took eight years to complete. The paintings were formerly exhibited at Princeton University at the China–America International Art Festival in May 2012.

A donation ceremony was also held on August 22, when Zhou Yong donated the paintings to Karamay to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of Karamay oilfield. Zhu Hexiang, member of the standing committee of the CPC Karamay Municipal Committee, accepted the donation on behalf of Karamay.

"I want to tell children to keep in mind the entrepreneurial history of Karamay and encourage them to inherit the spirit of the pioneering oilman," said Zhong Yong.

Also taking part were Chen Xinfa, Karamay Party secretary, Ji Lianbin, assistant director of China National Art Gallery, Zhang Hu, deputy director of Karamay Municipal People's Congress, Wen Xuejun, Chairman of the books association of the United Nations Headquarters, and Xie Huangyuan, a famous painter.

After seeing the exhibition, Chen Xinfa praised Zhou Yong for his efforts to promote Karamay. "Although he is living in the United States, we know he is always paying close attention to his hometown. This year, Karamay has held a series of high-profile painting and calligraphy exhibitions with his positive efforts. It will not only promote local art in Karamay, but also enhance the competitiveness and influence of Karamay, which is significant to building the World Oil City," said Chen Xinfa.

Zhou Yong is now a professor at New Jersey Academy of Fine Arts, Xinjiang Art Institute, and Xinjiang Normal University. He spent his childhood and adolescence in Karamay, and is now living in the United States.

China-America International Art Festival is an international art platform co-constructed by Karamay municipal government, China Art Gallery and American artists, aiming to promote Chinese culture and enhance exchanges between China and the US. In the past five years, famous Chinese artists such as Yang Xiaoyang, president of China Art Gallery, has visited the US several times to host exhibitions, give speeches and promote Chinese culture.

Edited by Andrew Ancheta