My name is Ma Mei Xiu. I came to the United States in 2014 from Taishan City, Guangdong Province, China. In my spare time, I enjoy drawing and exercising. I also care for my husband, who is blind.
Art has been a great source of comfort for me during difficult times, providing a peaceful space where I can relax and express myself. I have been part of the Art With Elders program for a year now, and through it, I’ve learned new artistic skills and made meaningful friendships.
This program has given me the confidence to draw and has opened up a whole new way of seeing the world. The friends I’ve made in class and I often share our life stories and artistic journeys with one another, creating a strong sense of connection and support.
One important lesson I’ve learned from this experience is that everyone has the ability to draw—you just have to try and keep practicing the skills you learn.