Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Museum (Director Kim Eun-hee), which has shared its exhibition spaces with local residents through the curated exhibition 'Donghaeng' and encouraged local cultural and artistic activities, has prepared an exhibition showcasing works by community members.

The works of students from the museum's "Minhwa Academy," which the museum has operated for local residents for six years, are now coming to fruition as an exhibition. As part of a national university development project, the exhibition "Chaekgado and Peony: Blooming Wishes" will run from July 4 to July 30 in the Central Hall of the JBNU Museum.

This exhibition focuses on chaekgado and peony, two themes within minwha, the traditional Korean folk paintings. Chaekgado are paintings centered on books and arranged with objects such as antiques and scholarly writing implements used in daily life. The books and writing implements that commonly appear in chaekgado symbolize learning and the spirit of the scholar. Other depicted objects—fruits, feathers, coral, flowers, and so on—reflect people's simple wishes for blessings such as fertility, longevity, success, health, and wealth.

The peony has long been called the "king of flowers" and is recognized as a symbol of wealth and honor. The peony frequently appears in auspicious motifs and was used as a decorative pattern at weddings, family ceremonies, and various celebratory gatherings to wish for a happy future.

Alongside the exhibition, a hands-on zone has been set up where visitors can paint a contemporary chaekgado of 2022, and a photo zone where visitors can take pictures with chaekgado and peony displays is also available. In addition, a free peony-painting workshop led by minhwa specialist Yoo An-sun will be held on July 12 and 19. The museum will accept the first 10 applicants for the workshop. Applications will be accepted from July 1 through July 8 at the JBNU Museum (063-270-3658).

Museum Director Kim Eun-hee said, "The JBNU Museum continually organizes exhibitions that allow local residents to share their artistic capabilities, in order to promote the sharing of excellent exhibition facilities and to encourage regional cultural and artistic activities. We will continue to create spaces for sharing and communication so that the university museum can be an open place for everyone and contribute to the development of local culture and the arts."