is currently in his tenth year as an elementary art teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in studio art with a focus on graphic design, and a Master of Education in art education. Geoffrey has worked as a graphic designer in a variety of settings, including at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art with the Imaginasia Family Program, the League of Educators for Asian American Progress, and the DC Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. He enjoys a variety of creative outlets including printmaking, pumpkin carving, and model building. He lives in Maryland with his wife and corgi.
BING-JIB HUANG, member of Sumi-e Society of America, Harmonious Art Club, and Lantin Chinese Calligraphy Club
Mr. Bing-Jib Huang (aka. BJ) was born in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. over 50 years ago. He earned an MS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland and recently retired after 33 years with the Federal Aviation Administration. Passionate about Chinese calligraphy since childhood, BJ has developed a unique style, incorporating symbols and colors to enhance the meaning of Chinese characters. He particularly enjoys designing greeting cards for the Lunar New Year. His modern calligraphy appeals especially to those familiar with the Chinese language.
Mr. Huang is an active member of Sumi-e Society of America, the Harmonious Art Club, and the Lantin (蘭亭) Chinese Calligraphy Club. He served as President of the International Artists Support Group in 2002 and teaches calligraphy at Rockville Chinese School. He frequently gives demonstrations, especially during Lunar New Year celebrations. His artwork has been exhibited internationally, including in Beijing, St. Petersburg, and Cairo. He also participated in the Florence Biennale (2007) and London Art Biennale (2013), where he won an award.
Hello, my name is Ms. Joan Rhee. I grew up in MCPS; and graduated from the University of Maryland, where I studied art education.
I will be teaching two sections of level 1 Foundations of Art and Culture, two sections of level 1 Ceramics, and one section of Functional Arts and Crafts. My hobbies include origami, painting, drawing, and listening to music.
The month of May is designated by law as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month to commemorate the history of AAPIs since their arrival in the United States in the mid-1800s, their challenges, and their contributions to American society.
All K-12 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students are invited to submit artwork for a poster that reflects significant people, places, or moments in AAPI history and/or culture. The entries will be judged by community art and art performance professionals.
First place ($120), second place ($80), third place ($60), and honorable mention winners were selected for each of the lower elementary school (PreK-2), higher elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12) categories.
Who can submit: Applicants currently enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) for the 2024-2025 school year. Only one entry per student is allowed.
What to submit: Original artwork that illustrates a legacy of leadership and resilience in Asian American and Pacific Islander history and/or culture. Artwork must be drawings, paintings, or digital art and needs to be submitted electronically.
Submission: Online application at http://tiny.cc/MCPSArtContest2025 by Saturday May 10, 2025 (new date)
Q: What forms can be used to create the art?
A: Students may use drawings, paintings, ink stamps, etc. or a combination. No clip arts or computer generated images. The art does need to be two-dimensional. Artwork should be in a .png file less than 10 MB. Save your artwork using the following file name and type: {student’s last name}_{first name}_{school name}.png; example: Last_First_MCHS.png
Q: Does the art have to be in portrait or landscape format?
A: The art can be in either portrait or landscape format.
Q: Where does the applicant send the submission?
A: Submission should be done on https://bit.ly/MCPSArtContest2025.
Q: May the student write a poem, essay or narrative?
A: Students will be judged primarily on the visual art that captures the AAPI experiences, places and people in America; they may use written words to enhance the visual art.
Q: Can the student sign the artwork?
A: No. To ensure that the judges will not see the students’ names, please only identify the student on the accompanying application and consent & release forms. After the contest, the winners and applicants will be identified alongside their work.
Q: Who are the judges?
A: The judges are artists, art educators and performing art professionals from the local community.
A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience
http://tiny.cc/MCPSArtContest2025
Asian Pacific American Student Achievement Action Group (APASAAG)*
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates - Greater Washington DC Chapter (OCA-DC)
Eugenia Henry, Ph.D.
*APASAAG works with MCPS and community stakeholders to support APA students and promote equitable educational opportunities for them to reach their fullest potential. It is an advisory council that liaisons with the MCPS Senior Community Advisor.