Welcome to Asian American Art & Culture Initiative

 I grew up in an artistic family where craftsmanship was deeply valued. My late great-grandfather was a renowned tailor, and my father has been a jade sculptor and Chinese watercolor painter for many years. As a third-generation artist, I witnessed firsthand how artists typically worked on commissioned pieces, creating art specifically for patrons. In my mind, being an artist meant fulfilling others' visions, not one's own.

It wasn't until I moved to the United States in 2000 that I discovered a new concept: artists could create work to express their own feelings, concerns, and issues. This idea was a revelation to me, but it also made me doubt my ability to succeed in this profession. Additionally, I saw how difficult it was for my father to find work as a jade sculptor after we settled in the U.S. The language barrier was a significant challenge, and the lack of a platform for Chinese American artists made it even harder. Faced with these obstacles, both my father and I were forced to change our career paths—he became a construction worker, and I earned a business degree in accounting.

After living in Houston for the past twenty-four years, my understanding of art has evolved. Art is no longer just about commissioned work; it is a powerful medium for expressing identity and confronting social issues. The rise of AAPI hate during the pandemic heightened my fear that my children and our community could be targeted as political scapegoats. Motivated by these concerns, I invited community leaders from Austin, Dallas, and Houston to co-found the Asian American Art & Culture Initiative. Our goal is to bridge the gap between Asian artists and the American art world, providing a platform for expression and connection. Besides creating opportunities for first-generation immigrant artists, we are also committed to offering platforms for second-generation and beyond Asian artists to showcase their work from their unique perspectives. This initiative aims to celebrate the evolving narratives of Asian American identity, ensuring that the voices of all generations are heard and valued in the broader cultural conversation.

Since the formation of the Asian American Art & Culture Initiative, we have received tremendous support from local communities, including the Austin Chinese American Network, Asian Texans for Justice, and United Chinese Americans. Together, we have developed several exhibition projects and are collaborating with various venues to bring these works to the public. Stay tuned!