Mignonette Yin Cheng

Professor Cheng was my best teacher. I own her everything. Every time I paint, I think of her.

My deepest condolences to family of Professor Mignonette Cheng.

I am sincerely saddened by Prof. Cheng's passing.

I had a painting class in watercolor with Prof. Cheng in 1995 when I was an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, School of Arts. Later in the summer of the same year, I recalled with fondness my trip to University of St. Andrew in Scotland with Prof. Cheng and my University mates for open air painting, also in watercolor.

Prof. Cheng...

Mignonette was a special favorite of my parents'. I recall my father often speaking of her as a good friend as well as an extremely gifted artist. She was a joy to know. My prayers are with your family; she will be missed.

Mignonette Cheng was a wonderful teacher. She was my professor at U of M around 1980. I remember doing what I thought was a fascinating, deep and disturbing painting. Mignonette looked at it, and said, "It's very easy to paint this. An artist must work much harder to find what is beautiful and show that." She was right. She took the role of the artist in society very seriously, and made me understand the importance of what we did. I think of that often, how it is so easy to be cynical, and...

Dick, Please know that our love and prayers are with you and your family. Mignonette has gone on before us to the larger world, her art and kindness will be appreciated forever. Mignonette, rest in peace and may the light perpetual shine upon you.

In honor of Mrs. Cheng I will share a couple of memories of her. I studied painting with Mrs. Cheng from 1976-1980 at U-M. She was an inspired painter and teacher. I can recall her encouraging words when I finally understood what it meant to make my painting sing. Her paintings are beautiful and so spiritual. I will never forget her stories of her husband stretching canvas for her and her reflections on combining Chinese painting influences with her own unique vision. I loved her. I am truly...

Dear Richard and Family, Our years as neighbors on Granger were enriched by having Mignonette next door. Her lovely smile, her interest in everyone around her, her art and her love of gardening were so appreciated. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Sincerely,
Susan Kessler and Jonathan Rowe

Mignonette will be remembered as a caring, understanding, enjoyable mother, wife and teacher. Her talent goes way beyond the stroke of a brush. Her patience and deep understanding of life in general was infectious when you were around her. Her memories of her childhood were thoughts that made anyone understand just how important life was to her. She will be greatly missed in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers go to her whole family that she so much admired.
Most...

Thinking of you all and wishing you strength.