29 March 2007, Hong Kong --- As a result of the success of the first Artists in Residence event held in January this year, art will again come to life at Portal – Work & Play from 17 May to 2 June. Headlining the latest event will be renowned Hong Kong artist Victor Lai, Australian born John McArthur and Hong Kong resident of 19 years, Ann Williams. Over a three week period these talented artists with take up residence at Portal – Work & Play, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7 – 9pm.

Portal and its people will become the inspiration and motivation for these three established and diverse artists who will work independently to bring their interpretations to life using a variety of media, in styles as diverse as the artists themselves. Guests will be invited into the world as an artist sees it and will be encouraged to interact with the artists - they may even become part of their project!

Renowned artist Victor Lai explores emotion, space and identity in his colourful, thought provoking paintings. Often working in triptychs, Lai uses a variety of media; oils, acrylics and mixed media on canvas and paper. For this program he will create a triptych in acrylics.

Ann Williams takes inspiration from the landscapes discovered on her travels; most notably the effect of changing light throughout the day and the shapes and patterns created by buildings, rooftops, doors and windows, which she captures in drawings or paintings in water colours or acrylics.

Fascinated by human form and expressions, Australia born John McArthur records his observations and emotions through the use of a variety of materials, and responds by experimenting with drawing, painting and Western calligraphy.

As an extension of the Artists in Residence event, the original art pieces created over the three week period will be on display and available for purchase through a Silent Auction at Portal – Work & Play and our Blog website at www.lphchat.com from 8 to 23 June. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children.

Solitary, Victor Lai, 1999	Door, Ann Williams
Untitled, John McArthur, 2006

Background Notes:

Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when the Langham Hotel in London originally opened as Europe's first Grand Hotel. For 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality. Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses creating a truly unique hotel experience.

Langham Hotels International (LHI) features six properties with over 2,700 rooms in five gateway cities across the four continents, namely, London, Boston, Hong Kong (2), Melbourne and Auckland. In each city Langham Hotels is associated with the prestigious "The Leading Hotels of the World" group which represents some of the world's finest luxury hotels.

LHI is wholly owned by Great Eagle Holdings Limited, a publicly listed company (HKSE: 41) which was founded in 1963 and was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972.

For information on Langham Place Hotel, Mongkok, Hong Kong, please visit:
http://hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com