Artists Blend East and West in Upcoming Norwich Exhibit

Husband-and-wife team Mark and Juner Patnode showcase their diverse painting styles in a joint show exploring cultural connections.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:00pm

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Artists Mark and Juner Patnode, a married couple from New London, Connecticut, are preparing to exhibit their work together at the Norwich Arts Center. The two painters come from vastly different artistic traditions - Mark is known for his Western-style cityscapes, while Juner is a Chinese native who was once part of the local art scene at the Griffis Art Center. Their upcoming show, "East & West," aims to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western art and promote a message of unity and understanding.

Why it matters

The Patnodes' joint exhibition represents an effort to use art as a means of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and breaking down societal divisions. In a time of increasing polarization, their work seeks to highlight the common humanity that transcends geographic, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

The details

After Juner's husband, Lin Li, passed away several years ago, local artist Mark Patnode befriended her and helped her adjust to life in the United States. The two eventually married and have collaborated on art shows in the past. For their upcoming exhibit at the Norwich Arts Center, they plan to showcase paintings that explore themes of diversity, inclusion, and the shared experiences of people from different backgrounds. The couple will include portraits of each other with the words "I'm not Yellow" and "I'm not White" to challenge perceptions about skin color.

  • The "East & West" exhibition will run from April 2 to 26, 2026 at the Norwich Arts Center.
  • An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The players

Mark Patnode

A local artist known for his Western-style cityscapes who befriended Juner Patnode after the passing of her late husband, Lin Li. Mark and Juner are now married and collaborate on joint art exhibitions.

Juner Patnode

A Chinese native artist who was part of the art scene at the Griffis Art Center in New London before the passing of her husband, Lin Li. Juner has since worked with her husband Mark Patnode on joint art shows that explore themes of cultural unity.

Lin Li

Juner Patnode's late husband, who was an artist and part of the local art community in New London before his passing.

Christopher Zhang

A local artist who asked Mark Patnode to check in on Juner Patnode after the passing of her husband, Lin Li.

Sharon Griffis

The longtime owner of the Griffis Art Center, which was recently sold and where Juner Patnode was previously involved in the local art scene.

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What they’re saying

“The point is to connect East art with West art together. Art is a language which makes people feel peace.”

— Juner Patnode, Artist

“There's so much factionalism in our society right now. It's Coke or Pepsi. It's hotdogs or hamburgers. You know, it's this or that. And we're trying to say, 'No, it's not this or that. We're free.'”

— Mark Patnode, Artist

“We're safe in this country, and other countries are always in jeopardy.”

— Mark Patnode, Artist

What’s next

The Patnodes are planning to continue their efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding through art, including attempts to facilitate dialogue between Rotary Clubs in China and the United States.

The takeaway

The Patnodes' joint exhibition represents an inspiring example of how art can be leveraged to bridge divides, challenge preconceptions, and foster a greater sense of shared humanity, even in an increasingly polarized world.