Cultural educator and Hwataoyao (Hwatao Kiln, 華陶窯) owner Chen Wen-hui (陳文輝) passed away on Dec. 14 at the age of 80. Upon hearing this news, Culture Minister Shih Che expressed his sincere condolences. He commended Chen’s contribution to fostering local culture and aesthetics by promoting education in horticulture, ceramics, kiln construction, and landscaping through the establishment of Hwataoyao.
Hwataoyao was built in Hoyenshan (火炎山) in Miaoli County, a mountainous area known for its biodiversity. Chen established Hwataoyao in 1984 to create a place for those who are interested in pottery and floriculture. Eventually, Hwataoyao was certified as an environmental education institution in 2015, the first of its kind in Miaoli.
Due to his contribution and devotion to the cultural field, Chen was recognized with the Cultural Association Medal in 2021. The MOC applauds him as a role model for supporting Taiwan’s cultural and ecological development.