Syosset Artist Shenjun Xie Finds Passion for Painting

Xie's family-focused art journey inspires her to create a series of portraits

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:49pm

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A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print of a painting palette repeated in a tight grid, conceptually representing the artistic journey of a local mother who has reconnected with her creative passions.Vibrant silkscreen portraits capture the artistic passion of a Syosset mother rediscovering her creative spark.NYC Today

Shenjun Xie, a Syosset-based artist, has rediscovered her passion for painting after putting it aside to focus on raising her two young daughters. With the encouragement of her art teacher Sally Feng, Xie has developed her own artistic style, particularly in painting portraits of her family. Xie's paintings have been featured in a recent exhibit at the Jericho Public Library, and she hopes to continue creating a series of family-centered portraits to preserve the love and support that have fueled her artistic journey.

Why it matters

Xie's story highlights how art can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth, even amidst the demands of family life. Her journey resonates with many parents who struggle to balance their own passions and identities with the responsibilities of raising children. Xie's experience also underscores the importance of supportive communities and mentors, like her art teacher Sally Feng, in helping individuals reconnect with their creative sides.

The details

After moving to New York with her husband, Xie's passion for art was reignited by the city's vibrant art scene. However, after having children, Xie put her artistic pursuits aside for a time to focus on her family. It wasn't until her daughters got a little older that Xie rediscovered her love for painting through adult art classes at Sally Studio. Under the guidance of her teacher Sally Feng, Xie has developed her own unique style, particularly in painting portraits of her family. Xie finds great joy and meaning in preserving her family's love and support through her art.

  • Xie discovered Sally Studio's adult art classes when her children were a little older.
  • Xie recently had her works displayed in the 'Between Us' exhibit at Jericho Public Library.

The players

Shenjun Xie

A Syosset-based artist who has rediscovered her passion for painting, particularly in creating portraits of her family.

Sally Feng

The owner of Sally Studio, where Xie takes adult art classes. Feng encourages her students to find their own artistic styles and express themselves authentically.

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What they’re saying

“For me, painting is something very private, and it is completely my own time. It is very different from the busy and sometimes overwhelming routine of being with my children every day.”

— Shenjun Xie, Artist

“She never tells us that everything has to be perfectly accurate or realistic. She cares much more about how each person feels and expresses themselves.”

— Shenjun Xie, Artist

What’s next

Xie plans to continue taking classes at Sally Studio and create a series of family-centered portraits to preserve the love and support that have fueled her artistic journey.

The takeaway

Xie's story demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth, even amidst the demands of family life. Her experience highlights the importance of supportive communities and mentors in helping individuals reconnect with their creative sides.