Beth Lo | A Chinese Immigration Story in Porcelain
Beth Lo | A Chinese Immigration Story in Porcelain
January 31 - May 9, 2026
"This exhibition showcases original illustrations on porcelain for two children's books authored by Ginnie Lo and illustrated by Beth Lo. Beth Lo's illustrations are heartfelt and inspired by her and her sister's childhood memories. This exhibition is a raw outpouring of experience from the view of Chinese immigrant families. Food traditionally brings people together, and the Auntie Yang's Great Soybean Picnic plates show just how true that can be. Our sense of taste and smell hold strong memories. I can imagine anyone who attended one of Auntie Yang's picnics may recall those moments fondly and clearly anytime they slurp the salty juice that comes with eating soybeans. The story is rich with authentic instances that enhance one's view of the plate illustrations. I can almost smell and taste the soybeans and pork dumplings as I gaze upon the simple spot illustrations that supplement the main illustrations. It brings me back to a time from my own youth, when my family and our connected families would gather each summer for a potluck. There would be games, fishing, sports, contests, and prizes, much like the great soybean picnics. To be a minority, it must have been comforting to find other immigrant families to connect with over a simple dish of boiled soybeans. I often wish the world could rewind to simpler days filled with peace, fun, and food. For now, I will take refuge in these porcelain plates." ~T Lance, Curator of exhibits
"My artistic work in ceramic vessels, sculpture and drawing revolves primarily around issues of family and my Asian-American background. Cultural marginality and blending, tradition and Westernization, language and translation are key elements in my work. Since the birth of my son in 1987, I have been drawing inspiration from major events in my family’s history, the day-to-day challenges of parenting, and my own childhood memories of being raised in a minority culture in the United States.
My parents immigrated to the United States from China during WWII and my older sister and I grew up in Indiana as “ABCs”, American Born Chinese. We feel that the minority experience is largely responsible for the special closeness of our family and our Asian American friends. This is the sensibility that we wanted to share in our children’s books, Mahjong All Day Long (Walker 2005) and Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnic, (Lee and Low 2012). We each took sabbaticals from our respective university teaching jobs to create these two books. Ginnie wrote the words and I illustrated the stories with underglazes on porcelain plates." ~ Beth Lo
Born in Lafayette, Indiana to parents of Chinese nationality, ceramicist Beth Lo makes work about family, culture and language. Her Good Children vessels and sculptures have been exhibited internationally, and her work has been recognized by fellowships from United States Artists, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Montana Arts Council and the American Craft Museum. She is a Professor Emeritus of Art and taught Ceramics at the University of Montana from 1985-2016. Beth is also an award-winning children’s book illustrator and professional bass player for several musical ensembles.