[SIT AND CHAT - RUIBIN YU] This is an abstract drawing. Yes, abstract, because things are all settled down when they are well honed. Why don't I just have it in a blurry style to leave some part for people's imagination? The faces aren't explicit, because anyone can be them (not just seniors in this case); the table is empty, since any specific issue can be included. What I mean is don't squeeze our eyes into the details, rather, sit back and widen our eyesight onto the whole scene. Everything can be done together by the people of our community. Sometimes, an individual is not just by him/herself. One can represent a community, not to mention two. So sit down and have a new discussion, push aside the mist and look into the future that is yet-to-be-uncovered. This is not one story, but a combination of many stories, told or untold.

[BUILDING BRIDGES - HIRO CHANCE] I spent quite a while researching and looking at different older Asian and Black people because I didn’t really know how to draw them. I didn’t even know there was tension between these 2 groups and while reading on your website and researching other art I found it all really fascinating and wanted to draw a piece hoping it might help break that tension. This peace means a lot to me because as a Japanese kid myself I would never want anger between me and another person just because of something that’s been going on for years. I’m hoping this represents the hard work I put into this and shows how much I really care.

[UNITY - KEVIN KO] Positive engagement between the African American and Asian communities involves building relationships and finding common ground between these two diverse groups. We need to find ways to celebrate and appreciate each other's cultures and work together on promoting equality and fighting for social justice. It’s important for these two communities to have honest and respectful communication. By listening and learning from each other, we can build mutual understanding and create a more inclusive society just like what we see in the painting.

[SEEDS OF CHANGE - MELINDA CHAN] One of the best ways to break down barriers and build community is by working together on a common cause. What better way to do that than with a community garden, where people from different backgrounds can come together to grow and nurture a vibrant, thriving green space? A community garden can beautify an area and produce fresh, affordable veggies for everyone. It offers a sense of pride and belonging. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for people to engage in outdoor physical activity and create social connections, which are especially important for seniors. With my drawing, “Seeds of Change,” I want to focus on how a community garden can strengthen community bonds and nourish the soul. It takes care and work to nurture growth and change, but all it takes is some small spark, a seed to kickstart the change and fruits of the labor are very much worth it.

2022 Changing the Narratives Art Campaign Winners

Honorable Mentions