Artist Spotlight: February, 2024

Kathryn Demers

Demers is an award-winning, certified tai chi and qi gong instructor.

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Tell us a little about your background

I am a certified tai chi and qi gong instructor. I have enjoyed teaching weekly classes, workshops, and private lessons for several years. In my classes, I focus on the many health and wellness benefits achieved through practicing tai chi and qi gong.

Tai chi, originally developed as a martial art, is now a performance art as well as a competitive sport. I have participated in two Tai Chi competitions. In 2019, at the New England International Chinese Martial Arts Championships, I received a gold medal.

In 2023 I traveled to Taiwan as a member of the USA Team and competed in the Tai Chi Chuang World Cup, winning silver and bronze medals, and a 5^th place award for my performance of tai chi with a fan.

When did you first become interested in tai chi?

I have always been intrigued by tai chi, and in 2010 I found my mentor Master Fang Chih-Lee. I began attending her weekly class and grew to love tai chi and its predecessor, qi gong. For the past few years, I have been learning tai chi forms that incorporate fans and swords.

Was there a pivotal moment for you in deciding to pursue this martial art in the way you have?

After teaching elementary school special education for 33 years, a career that I loved, I retired in 2017. Master Fang Chih-Lee encouraged me to apprentice with her to become a certified tai chi and qi gong instructor. I was honored and agreed.  The merging of my passion for teaching and my love of tai chi has brought me joy and great health! I love teaching it to others and sharing techniques for better health.

What are the physical benefits of doing tai chi?

The physical benefits of tai chi include improved balance, coordination, flexibility, breathing, and an overall sense of well-being. Tai chi is an internal exercise that promotes health from the inside out, improving energy flow and vitality. It strengthens the mind-body connection.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your work?

Tai chi is beautiful to watch. I love teaching tai chi at the Art Complex Museum because I feel it showcases tai chi as the beautiful art form that it is. Tai chi and qi gong are ancient energy practices that have stood the test of time for their benefits to body, mind, and spirit. Yet tai chi is also a graceful art, rooted in nature, the balancing of the inner world with the outer world, yin and yang, grounded yet flowing, art in motion.

I enjoy offering my class in such beautiful surroundings. In warm weather we are outside on the exquisite grounds, amid the sculptures and the pond, and during the colder seasons we practice tai chi inside, surrounded by the beauty and inspiration of the current exhibits. I appreciate the opportunity to share my love of tai chi here at the Art Complex Museum.

My website is kdlight.net.