Maihwa was born in Shanghai, China, and relocated to Taiwan when she was two. School held little interest for Maihwa, so she devoted her time to painting. She studied traditional watercolor with masters in bamboo, plum blossoms, and landscape. Flower painting drew most of her interest and became her specialty. Maihwa also studied Chinese calligraphy and Ikebana flower arranging.
Seeking new adventures, Maihwa came to the US in the late 1960s. She landed in Ohio, where she stayed with her older sister, attended graduate courses, and met her husband, Hehching Harry Li. The two moved to Missouri where Maihwa worked while Hehching completed his PhD. New York was their next destination, and there James and Jennifer were born.
Maihwa proudly raised her children, volunteering with their schools and extracurricular activities. She encouraged her children to participate in music and dance, sciences, and sports. She continued to paint, expanding her skills to oil and acrylic. Maihwa shared her artwork in art shows, exhibits, and festivals. She taught painting as a guest teacher in public schools, Chinese school, arts and cultural centers, and community college. She also taught Ikebana, origami, and Chinese cooking.
The family moved to Texas as the children transitioned into college. There, Maihwa filled her time with new volunteer pursuits at the Wildflower Center and Huntingdon Art Gallery. When she and Hehching relocated to Portland, she became a docent at the Portland Art Museum, Japanese Garden, and Lan Su Chinese Garden. She continued to exhibit and teach art at schools, The Village Gallery, and the Portland Parks and Recreation Senior program, traveling to centers all over the metro area. She became active with First Saturday PDX and the Portland Suzhou Sister City Association.
Maihwa and Hehching began traveling, enjoying cruises and multiple trips to China. Hehching’s passing in 2009 dampened Maihwa’s spirit, but she pushed on and resumed traveling, volunteering, and painting.
Maihwa is survived by her two children, James and Jennifer, and three grandchildren.
Please send any remembrances to Lan Su Chinese Garden, 220 NW 2nd Ave, Ste 1050, Portland, OR 97209, or online at lansugarden.org.
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