Pan Yuanshi, former director of Chi Mei Museum, dies at 86

Pan Yuanshi, winner of the 5th Tainan Cultural Award, important cultural worker and senior artist in Tainan, and former director of Chi Mei Museum, passed away on September 22 at the age of 86.

The former director of the Chi Mei Museum passed away on September 22 at the age of 86. (file picture)

The Cultural Bureau of Tainan City Government issued a press release today stating that Pan Yuanshi was born in Tainan, an ancient capital during the Japanese occupation period in 1936, and lived in the vicinity of “Mi Street” (Xinmei Street, Central and Western District) and Wanfu Nunnery as a child. In the key town area, Pan Yuanshi’s exposure to woodcut prints makes printmaking the most important source of inspiration for his creative medium, which continues to be displayed in woodcut watermark works.

After graduating from the Art Department of Tainan Normal School, Pan Yuanshi engaged in special art education at Tainan Qi Cong School. During his 25 years as an art teacher for hearing-impaired students, due to his long-term relationship with students with hearing or speech impairments, he would not be able to. Very outgoing personality, more introverted.

Pan Yuanshi has never forgotten his mission to contribute to the social education of art. Not only has he taught special education for many years, he has also served as the executive director of the Tainan Municipal Cultural Foundation, the executive director of the Tainan Chi Mei Cultural Foundation, the director of the Chi Mei Museum, the chairman of the Taiwan South American Association, and the National Culture Foundation. Director of the Art Foundation, etc.

With his selfless spirit and professionalism, Pan Yuanshi has been devoted to children’s art education for a long time. He is also actively involved in the preservation of important cultural relics in Tainan, including the former Tainan District Court, a national monument that was almost demolished and is now known as the “Three Buildings of the Japanese Occupation Period”.

Pan Yuanshi has assisted local cultural groups and artistic talents to flourish. He was awarded the 5th Tainan Cultural Award and the Outstanding Citizen of Tainan City. His cultural influence is far-reaching.

Editor: Qin Yingwen