Highlight International Art Center Visual Tour Channel
HIGHLIGHT INTERNATIONAL
ART FESTIVAL
2026
HOST
Chief Planner / Producer
US HIGHLIGHT INTERNATIONAL ART CENTER
FOUNDATION
Highlight International Art Festival 2026
Celebrates Cultural Diversity and Artistic Excellence at Bowers Museum
06/06/2026
Group photo of the cast
SANTA ANA, Calif., June 6, 2026 — The 2026 Highlight International Art Festival was successfully held on June 6 at the Historic Key Courtyard of the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, bringing together artists, performers, community leaders, cultural organizations, entrepreneurs, and hundreds of visitors for a vibrant celebration of art, heritage, and multicultural exchange.
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu (4th from left, front row), Bowers Museum President and CEO Dr. Sean O’Harrow (3rd from left, front row), and Lily Li, Director of the Highlight International Art Center (2nd from left, front row), pose for a group photo with performers.
Founded in 2024 by the U.S. Highlight International Art Center Foundation (Highlight International Art Center), the annual festival has grown into a prominent cultural event dedicated to connecting communities through art.
From left: Dr. Sean O’Harrow, President and CEO of Bowers Museum; Lily Li, Director of Highlight International Art Center; and Brian Yan, Founder of the Highlight International Youth Club.
Unlike previous years, this year’s festival transformed the museum’s outdoor Historic Key Courtyard into a dynamic artistic landscape under the theme “A Moving Space-Time of Art.”
Guests and performers arrived in their finest attire, amidst a vibrant festive atmosphere.
The garden stairways and elegant archways became a flowing stage where performances from different cultures and historical periods unfolded throughout the venue. Art booths lining both sides of the courtyard formed a living gallery, showcasing artistic traditions spanning thousands of years and bridging Eastern and Western cultures.
Guests and performers arrived in their finest attire, amidst a vibrant festive atmosphere.
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu attended the event to express her congratulations and support. She noted that, as the first councilmember able to speak Chinese and with a deep understanding of Chinese culture, she was honored to attend and support the Highlight International Art Festival for the second consecutive year. After experiencing the festival’s rich array of artistic expressions—including painting, calligraphy, live performances, and intangible cultural heritage crafts—she expressed her sincere appreciation to the Highlight International Art Center for its dedication to organizing such an event year after year. Liu also stated that she hopes to contribute her own efforts to help the festival reach an even broader audience and a larger stage in the future.
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu during a media interview.
She also thanked Bowers Museum for supporting the event and delivered an encouraging message to the more than 300 youth volunteers from the Highlight Youth Club. “Continue serving the people around you. Stay focused and keep working hard,” she told the students. “No matter what challenges you face, never turn down an opportunity to realize your own value and potential.”
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu(R) presents a certificate of recognition to Brian Yan(L), Founder of Highlight International Youth Club, in recognition of his outstanding community service and leadership.
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu(R) presents a certificate of recognition to Yutong Zhang(L), Co-Founder of Highlight International Youth Club, in recognition of her outstanding community service and leadership.
During the opening ceremony, Councilmember Liu presented certificates of recognition to the event organizers and supporting organizations. She also honored youth leaders Brian Yan and Yutong Zhang for their unwavering commitment to community service over the past three years.
Group photo of the cast
Dr. Sean O’Harrow, President and CEO of Bowers Museum, attended the event and delivered the opening remarks. He said that this year marks the 90th anniversary of Bowers Museum since its founding in 1936, and that the museum has been dedicated to supporting 5,000 years of human creativity throughout its history. “Today's Celebration is a great partnership in supporting young artists and artists of all generations,” he said, “From graphic arts all the way to performing arts and literary arts.”
Dr. Sean O’Harrow, President and CEO of Bowers Museum delivers the opening remarks.
He was pleased to see such wonderful martial arts performances by children during the opening ceremony and to join Chinese American organizations and artists in presenting this spectacular event. He also expressed his hope for future collaboration with the Highlight International Art Center to bring art to new heights.
Diverse ethnic customs and traditions
Dr. Tianlong Jiao, Vice President of Collections and Programs, Chief Curator of Bowers Museum also addressed attendees, thanking the Highlight International Art Center and participating Chinese American organizations for bringing such a meaningful event to the museum.
Dr. Tianlong Jiao, Vice President of Collections and Programs , Chief Curator of Bowers Museum delivers the opening remarks.
Jiao noted that Bowers Museum has collected and exhibited Chinese art since 1975 and now houses a dedicated gallery showcasing Chinese cultural treasures. He expressed hope for expanded partnerships with the Highlight International Art Center and other cultural organizations in the future.
Lily Li, Director of the Highlight International Art Center (2nd from left), Bowers Museum President and CEO Dr. Sean O’Harrow (3rd from left), Renowned calligrapher Mr. Ronggui Li (4th from left), Dongping Huang, President of the American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association(3th from right) and Dr. Tianlong Jiao, Vice President of Bowers Museum(2th from right)
Dongping Huang, President of the American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association, stated in an interview that she was honored for her organization to serve as a co-organizer of the third Highlight International Art Festival. Huang also participated as a performer, presenting the classical Chinese dance The Grand Tang Banquet. “This dance embodies the grandeur and elegance of the Tang Dynasty,” Huang said.
Interview with Dongping Huang
The Art Festival was hosted by Brian Yan, Founder of Highlight International Youth Club, and Yutong Zhang, Co-Founder of the club.
Brian Yan (L) & Yutong Zhang (R)
More than 600 attendees enjoyed a diverse program featuring martial arts, Peking opera, traditional Chinese and ethnic dances, intangible cultural heritage fashion shows, Latin dance, and contemporary music performances. Art exhibitions, calligraphy displays, handcrafted works, and youth innovation showcases lined the courtyard’s arcades, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Chinese Martial Arts Performance by BK Dragon Wushu Academy
Formal Wear Fashion Show by Modeling For Change
A Dong Ethnic Dance by 《奇缘 · 雅韵》时尚艺术团
Intangible Cultural Heritage Hanfu Fashion Show——Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu (4th from left) poses for a group photo with Ziqi Zhang, President of Boya Academy (5th from left), and members of the Irvine Lirenxing Model Arts Group.
Peking Opera: Ode to the Pear Blossom by Gloria 高荣霞
The Grand Tang Night Banquet by Irvine Chinese performing Arts
A Xinjiang Dance by 尔湾华友群
The Beauty in the Rainy Alley by 尔湾丽人行模特艺术团
Tibetan Duet by Gloria & Lishan Wang
Dai Dance by Irvine Chinese performing Arts
Art booths throughout the courtyard featured renowned calligraphers, emerging young painters, and traditional artisans demonstrating cultural heritage crafts. This year, the festival also expanded opportunities for youth technology organizations and student entrepreneurs, providing a platform for innovation, networking, and collaboration between young people and local businesses.
Renowned calligrapher Mr. Li Ronggui (far left) presents his artwork.
Exhibitor Jindong Sha, Founder of EyeGuard Impact Inc. and EqualiLearn Inc., promotes eye-care products at the event.
Learning Tree Group
Asia America Capital
Exhibitor Robin Lee Investment promotes products at the event.
Exhibitor AURA STUDIO promotes products at the event.
Highlight International Art Center Booth: Charity Sale of intangible cultural heritage-inspired Peking Opera silk figurines and round fans Created by Brian Yan
One of the festival’s most meaningful highlights was the participation of artists from China and Europe, whose works were exhibited and offered for charity sale. Paintings and postcards created by youth with special needs were also included in the fundraising auction, reflecting the event’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community support.
Artworks by Youth with Special Needs Drew Widespread Attention.
Asia American Capital Successfully Acquired a Painting by a Special Needs Child at the Auction.
Lily Li, Director of the Highlight International Art Center, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all guests, sponsors, artists, volunteers, and community partners.
“The Highlight International Art Festival has now been held for three consecutive years,” Li said. “What began as an effort to bring hope to people facing challenges has grown into something much larger. Today, artists, businesses, sponsors, and youth volunteers have come together through art.”
Dance Instructor Andy Song led the audience in a lively Latin dance.
The Dream of Han – Multi-Ethnic Costume Show (Solo: Brian Yan)
Taiji by Orange County Chinese Community Service
She described art as both a bridge and a source of strength. “Art connects people, transcending language, geography, and culture. It allows us to listen to the strength within ourselves. Every individual, especially young people, should carry that sense of purpose and responsibility as we work together to build a diverse community founded on mutual respect, equality, and inclusion.”
I Hate My Foolish Heart (Solo by Andy Song)
Late Autumn – Qipao Fashion Show by 《奇缘 · 雅韵》时 尚艺术团
Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again / Mother is a passage of time (Poetry Recitation by Jianguo Jiang)
I Want It That Way (Community Choir Featuring Volunteers and Local Residents)
Organizer Introduction: U.S. Highlight International Art Center Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together art enthusiasts from diverse fields, providing an international platform for showcasing talent, and fostering mutual support, collaboration, and cultural exchange through this community.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Tiger Herda
Paper Heart by Melody Deng
Johann Sebastian Bach French Suite by Sophia Xia
The foundation believes that art possesses a unique power to unite communities, foster cultural understanding, and enrich the human spirit. Through exhibitions, educational programs, cultural exchanges, and community service initiatives, the organization seeks to strengthen connections among youth, seniors, families, and individuals facing special challenges.
Group photo of the cast
The organizers also expressed their sincere appreciation to the many community organizations, sponsors, volunteers, artists, and supporters whose contributions made the 2026 Highlight International Art Festival possible.
Group photo of the volunteers
As the festival concluded, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the power of art to inspire, connect, and strengthen communities across generations and cultures.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW節目單概覽
11: 00 AM — 4: 00 PM
Lion Dance
舞狮
BK.Dragon WUSHU Academy
Bernie Huang, Dory Huang, Mindy Zhang, Celine Lu, Calvin Lu, Nerissa Liu, Josie kern, Amanda zhan, Di lu, Jeremy liu
Fashion Show
青少年礼服秀
STEAM Girl Foundation - Modeling
for Change
Director/Starring：Catherine Zhang
Intangible Cultural Heritage: Hanfu Fashion Show
大汉天声 非遗华服汉服秀
BOYA Academy博雅书院 / 尔湾丽人行模特艺术团
徐丽、朝霞、燕子、Helena、Angela、Dangli、Linda、Sherry、小高、Grace
A Dong Ethnic Dance
侗族舞蹈
《奇缘 · 雅韵》时尚艺术团
Starring：Jean, Ying, lily, kk, Lu, Marcy, Shirley, 越
PRAISE OF THE PEAR BLOSSOMS-
Peking Opera
大唐风华 京剧《梨花颂》
Solo：Gloria
独唱：高荣霞
The Grand Tang Night Banquet
大唐夜宴
Irvine Chinese performing Arts
尔湾华人艺术团
Andy , Dongping Huang, Eric Lu, Shirly
Bohemian Rhapsody
Solo：Tiger Herda
The Beauty in the Rainy Alley
雨巷佳人
尔湾丽人行模特艺术团
徐丽、朝霞、燕子、Helena、Angela、Dangli、Linda、sherry-琛
The Dream of Han
Multi-Ethnic Costume Show
天行九歌 华夏服装秀
Solo：Brian Yan
Taiji
42式太极剑
Orange County Chinese Community Service 太极队
橙县华人社区服务中心 太极队
梁宁伟，姜秀英，焦洋，畅悦，刘华琼
Paper Heart
Solo：Melody Deng
Late Autumn-
Qipao Dance
旗袍舞《晚秋》
《奇缘 · 雅韵》时尚艺术团
Starring：Jean, Ying, lily, kk, Lu, Marcy, Shirley, 越
Dai Dance-South of the Colorful Clouds
傣族舞-彩云之南
Irvine Chinese performing Arts
尔湾华人艺术团
Dongping Huang, Eric Lu, Shirly
Latin Dance
拉丁裁判舞
Irvine Chinese performing Arts
尔湾华人艺术团
Andy Song
Johann Sebastian Bach
French Suite
钢琴独奏
Piano Solo：Sophia Xia
Tibetan Dance: E'man
藏族舞《娥嫚》
Starring：守望希望康樂長青舞蹈團
I Hate My Foolish Heart
我恨我痴心
Solo：Andy Song
Lift Up Your Veil(Xinjiang Dance)
新疆舞《新疆亚克西》
Starring：尔湾华友群
唐熙明 刘贵文 秋韵
林丽梅 海之韵
PRAISE OF THE PEAR BLOSSOMS-
Tibetan Duet
藏服女声二重唱《感恩》
Duet
Gloria 高荣霞
Lishan Wang 王丽珊
Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again (Poetry Recitation)
诗朗诵《再别康桥》
Starring：尔湾华友群
姜建国
Dance
舞蹈《时辰》
Starring：守望希望康樂長青舞蹈團
Mother is a passage of time
诗朗诵《 母亲是一种岁月》
Starring：尔湾华友群
姜建国
I Want It That Way
Chorus：Highlight Volunteers
>>>HOST<<<
US HIGHLIGHT INTERNATIONAL ART CENTER
FOUNDATION
美国华彩国际艺术中心基金会
>>>CO-HOST<<<
American Southern California
Economic and Culture Association
美国南加经贸文化协会
Orange County Chinese
Community Service
橙县华人社区服务中心
Modeling For Change
Beijing Jincheng Calligraphy and Painting Academy 北京金城书画院
Ronggui Li 李荣贵
EyeGuard Impact Inc.
EqualiLearn Inc.
>>>SPONSORS<<<
AURA STUDIO LLC
EXCELSIOR SCHOOL
Robin Lee
Wealth Management
Asia America Media Inc
NS FEDERATION
LEARNING TREE GROUP
TOPSKY
REAL ESTATE GROUP
Seedling Sun Foundation- California Chapter
THE PARTEE CLUB
SILICON VALLEY GLOBAL INNOVATION LIONS CLUB
《奇缘．雅韵》时尚艺术团
BOYA ACADEMY
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