In Memory of Patsy Chen — A Beloved Sister in Art and Community 「緬懷秀蓉姐——我們敬愛的藝術與社群姊妹」

IIn Memory of Patsy Chen — A Beloved Sister in Art and Community

「緬懷秀蓉姐——我們敬愛的藝術與社群姊妹」

我們早已習慣在各個社區與文藝活動的現場看見秀蓉姐，與她親切地談天問好。如今這樣的身影驟然缺席，突如其來的失落與心痛，讓人一時難以面對。

作為台美文藝協會（TAAC）深受敬重的董事會成員之一，我謹代表 TAAC 的藝術家們，懷著深切的感恩與追思之情，緬懷 秀蓉姐（方秀蓉，Patsy Chen） 的一生，以及她所留下的珍貴精神。秀蓉姐長年支持藝術、無私付出，始終以溫柔而堅定的力量扶持無數藝術家。她總是樂於助人，深度投入台灣社區事務，並積極推動與支持各項文化與藝術活動。她對藝術與社群的熱忱與承諾，深深影響了許多人的生命。秀蓉姐的溫暖、慷慨，以及對藝術力量的堅定信念，將永遠被我們銘記與珍惜。

對我個人而言，秀蓉姐始終是一位溫暖而堅定的存在。最後一次見到秀蓉姐，是在 2025 年 10 月 29 日的大紐約 Girl Scouts 榮譽早餐會。當天，她真誠地鼓勵我，也全力支持這項活動，並支持藝術家們一同參與，讓我深受感動。我們也留下了許多珍貴的合影，成為我心中永遠珍藏的回憶。

更早之前，在 10 月 10 日的台灣國慶晚會 上，秀蓉姐依然一如往常地熱情親切，與我們合影留念。當時我們並不知道，那些溫暖的相聚，會如此深刻地留在心中。

更早之前，秀蓉姐曾邀請我參與 PPSEAWA New York Chapter（泛太平洋暨東南亞婦女協會紐約分會） 的活動，在聯合國廣場與多位女性領袖交流。她在其中始終積極投入，樂於參與討論，也不遺餘力地串連彼此、促進交流，讓人深刻感受到她對社群與公共事務的熱情。

在藝術活動中，秀蓉姐同樣以一貫的專注與耐心陪伴。2017 年，她特地前往布魯克林 Pfizer Building，參與「大船入港」《Fully Loaded》計畫中的子活動《 Roses Loaded》，靜靜地觀展、聆聽座談與演出，給予藝術家最真誠的回應。2019 年「都會部落 《Urban Tribes》」系列展覽開幕時，她也親臨現場，細細閱讀作品與說明文字，攝影師捕捉到她專注凝視作品的身影，那份深度觀看令人動容。

在音樂領域，透過 New York Youth Orchestra 的年度音樂會，我們多次齊聚林肯中心，欣賞年輕世代精緻而動人的演出；在 Queens Orchestra 的音樂會中，也常見秀蓉姐活躍的身影，讓我們得以一同沉浸於高品質的音樂饗宴。這些與她共享藝術與音樂的時光，至今仍歷歷在目，難以忘懷。

秀蓉姐每次見到 Ken Howell，總是溫柔而真誠地問候，給予鼓勵與祝福。Ken 非常想念她，也一直記得她曾對他說過的那些溫暖而美好的話語。秀蓉姐的善良、體貼與真心關懷，早已深深留在我們心中，成為永遠不會消失的記憶。

—— 李美華 Luchia Meihua Lee
台美文藝協會（TAAC）執行長

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In Memory of Patsy Chen — A Beloved Sister in Art and Community

We had grown accustomed to seeing Patsy at community gatherings and cultural events, always greeting others with warmth and kindness. Her sudden absence brings a profound sense of loss and heartache that is difficult to comprehend.

As a deeply respected board member of the Taiwanese American Arts Council (TAAC), and on behalf of the artists of TAAC, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and remembrance as we honor the life and enduring spirit of Xiurong Jie (Fang Xiurong, Patsy Chen). For many years, Patsy devoted herself selflessly to supporting the arts, nurturing countless artists with her gentle yet steadfast encouragement. She was always ready to help others, deeply engaged in Taiwanese community affairs, and actively involved in supporting and promoting cultural and artistic events. Her dedication to the arts and to community building touched many lives, and her warmth, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of art will always be remembered and cherished.

On a personal level, Patsy was a constant source of warmth and strength in my life. The last time I saw Patsy was at the Girl Scouts of Greater New York Honor Breakfast on October 29, 2025. That morning, she offered me sincere encouragement and wholeheartedly supported the event, as well as the participation of the artists. We took many wonderful photos together, which have now become deeply treasured memories.

Earlier that month, at the October 10 Taiwan National Day celebration, Patsy greeted everyone with her usual kindness and warmth. At the time, we did not yet realize how precious those moments would become.

Even earlier on, Patsy invited me to participate in Pan-Pacific & South East Asia Women’s Association – New York Chapter (PPSEAWA-NY,) where we met many women leaders at the United Nations Plaza. She was always deeply engaged—actively participating, generously connecting people, and making genuine efforts to build relationships across communities. Her presence reflected a sincere commitment to dialogue, leadership, and collective support.

In the arts, Patsy showed the same attentiveness and care. In 2017, she came to the Pfizer Building in Brooklyn to attend One Afternoon, a sub-event of the Fully Loaded project, patiently observing the exhibition, listening to the talks, and watching the performances with quiet focus. At the opening of the Urban Tribes exhibition series in 2019, she again attended with great care, thoughtfully reading the artworks and wall texts. A photograph captured her in deep contemplation—an image that beautifully reflects how seriously and respectfully she engaged with art.

Through the annual concerts of the New York Youth Orchestra, we were often together at Lincoln Center, enjoying the refined and moving performances of a younger generation of musicians. She was also actively involved with the Queens Orchestra, where we shared many memorable evenings of outstanding music. These moments—shared through art and music—remain vivid and unforgettable.

Patsy was always especially kind to Ken Howell, greeting him with genuine warmth and encouragement whenever they met. Ken misses her dearly and often recalls the thoughtful and caring words she shared with him. Patsy’s compassion, generosity, and sincere care live on in our hearts, becoming memories that will never fade.

— Luchia Meihua Lee
Executive Director, Taiwanese American Arts Council (TAAC)