The First Qi Baishi International Cultural Art Festival will be held in upcoming November in his hometown of Xiangtan in Hunan Province to mark the 140th anniversary of the birth of Qi, a great Chinese painter.

Yang Taibo, vice-governor of Hunan, announced the event Saturday at a press conference at the Great Hall of the People.

Born in a poor family in Xiangtan, Qi quit school early in his childhood. He learned woodcraft from his father and became a successful carpenter by the age of 16. At 27, he started his painting career, following in the footsteps of several celebrated local artists. By middle age, Qi had found his own path to art, and his paintings, along with his poems, calligraphy and seal cutting, made him a unique talent throughout the world.

Peng Xianfa, mayor of Xiangtan and director of the festival organizing committee, said Qi's moral quality can be compared with his artistic achievement. In 1953, Qi was named "most outstanding artist" by the Chinese Ministry of Culture. In 1955, he was honored by the World Peace Council for his contribution to peace through his art.

According to the organizers, the festival will include opening and closing ceremonies, launching of the Qi Baishi commemoration hall, art forums, a publishing ceremony of The Dictionary of Qi Baishi, auctions, tourism and business activities.

(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2004)