51³Ô¹ÏÍø

After spending four weeks at Liaocheng University in China through the University of North Georgia (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) Faculty Exchange Program, Stanley Bermudez knew he would return.

"I developed a great working relationship and friendship with Professor Shen Feng," said Bermudez, lecturer of visual arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. "So we created an art residency."

Bermudez earned the art residency slot, allowing him to spend seven weeks in China. For four weeks, he taught a painting class, and for 6 1/2 weeks he created 14 pieces. Eight were his own creations and six were collaborations with Feng. Those art pieces were displayed in an art show at Liaocheng University.

Bermudez said he found inspiration everywhere in China.

"I went to Confucius Temple and came across several traditional Chinese windows that I photographed and actually ended up using them in four of my art pieces," he said.

But his experience was much more than inspiration for his artwork.

"I have learned from Shen Feng that it is possible to make successful collaborative artworks and that it is also possible to have meaningful cultural exchange of ideas regardless of borders, language and cultural differences," Bermudez said, adding he plans to use this in the classroom. "My experience in China in the last two years will help me teach with more of a global engagement attitude."