Renmin University of China’s School of Arts and Kean University in New Jersey, USA jointly held an exhibit titled “Chinese Calligraphy Exchange with America” in Kean University’s advanced technology hall 3D auditorium.  Over 200 were in attendance, including Dawood Y. Farahi, president of Kean University; Philip Connelly, Kean University executive vice president for operations; Alan Xu, assistant to the president; Zheng Xiaohua, party secretary and assistant dean of Renmin University School of Arts; Li Gangtian, assistant chief of staff of Xileng Yinshe Auction Co., and member of China Calligraphy Association; Zhu Peier, assistant editor-in-chief of “Chinese Calligraphy” magazine; Zhong Cheng, professor at China Calligraphy Association Training Center; Ma Ben, editor-in-chief of “Shuhua Mingjia Bao”; Kean University faculty and students; and resident overseas Chinese. 
The exhibit featured works by faculty and students from Renmin University of China’s School of Arts and 46 works commissioned from well known artists who presented various styles including zhuang, li, kai, xing, and cao.  24 of the most influential calligraphers were represented along with 22 calligraphy majors from the School of Arts. 
After the opening ceremony, Zheng Xiaohua gave a seminar to Kean University faculty and students titled “Chinese Calligraphy”.  He talked about history and aesthetics which presented a multidimensional view on the uniqueness of Chinese calligraphic art.  He further expounded concepts with a demonstration of technique. 
Four masters of calligraphy wielded their brushes during a banquet, including Zheng Xiaohua, Li Gangtian, Zhu Peier, and Zhong Cheng.  Together they created a piece titled “Friendship Long Endures through the Scent of Brush and Ink”, which was the highlight of the evening.  Zheng Xiaohua presented several works of calligraphy and related writings as gifts to Kean University.  President Farahi said this was the first time for Kean University to hold such a large exhibit of Chinese calligraphy and that the Kean community was greatly interested in the art form.  He estimated several thousand visitors would come each day for the duration of the exhibit.  The event was reported in local Chinese language media.