In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, paintings from Stella Zee’s collection will be exhibited from May 1 to June 30 at Harold Washington Library Center.
Stella Zee was born in Shanghai, China. Her grandfather, a renowned calligrapher in China, recognized her talent and encouraged her to practice through letters. She filled pages of calligraphy. Thereafter, her family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she embraced the color, light and nature. With her love of calligraphic lines, these influences inspired her mature works.
Stella studied at the School of the Art Institute and earned a master of fine arts in painting. Under the guidance of SAIC teachers, she found in oil painting a means to integrate the cultural influences that informed her life. In 1982, Richard Loving chose her work to be included in the Morton Wing Show of the Museum. Stella has shown in Chicago and California. She has taught at SAIC and Evanston Art Center. Her works are held in private collections in Illinois, California, Oregon, Minnesota and New York.
