Sumi-e is a Japanese term used for black ink painting. The term is derived from two Japanese words: sumi, which means black ink, and e , which means painting. The art of East Asian painting and writing were developed simultaneously in ancient China using the same materials, i.e., brush and ink on paper. Japan, Korea, and Malaysia took inspiration from the Chinese and developed their unique versions of East Asian brush painting. https://www.sumiesociety.org/whatissumie.php

The Shibui Chapter of the Sumi-e Society of America aims to promote and educate others about the art of Asian brush painting. It was founded in 1985 by Marguerite Hardesty and Mary Rodning to encourage and inspire artists interested in Sumi-e. The Shibui Chapter meets weekly at the Charles Woods Japanese Garden Clubhouse in Mobile, AL, to teach new members and practice the art.