Following COVID-19 lockdowns, a sense of dread crept into my conscience. Beyond the impact of the virus itself, I anticipated anti-Asian sentiment would manifest due to the believed origin of the outbreak. My fears became reality, as vicious attacks against my fellow Asian-Americans became regular occurrences, frequently targeting our elders. Even as we collectively emerge from the pandemic, such attacks remain a source of concern and pain in NYC and beyond. After insisting my own 82 year old mother not leave the protection of her house for over a year due to COVID, I added the threat of violence to her reasons to remain home. When people ask how Asian hate has most impacted me, fear of harm coming to her is what I mention. Yet hope perseveres. Building on the momentum of BLM, the Stop Asian Hate movement is where I seek solace. Newly empowered to speak out and support fellow community members, I again find myself in search of portraits and street scenes embodying strength, resilience, and optimism – to help inspire critical conversations and actions, rooted in empathy and tolerance. Especially following the Atlanta shootings in March, I was overcome by sadness and emotional exhaustion. As a Chinese-American woman, I had become a target. A disconcerting sense of unrest is now my norm. On the streets, I look over my shoulder, pepper spray in hand. The country my grandparents struggled to make their home a century ago has become a source of another struggle two generations later. 

Following COVID-19 lockdowns, a sense of dread crept into my conscience. Beyond the impact of the virus itself, I anticipated anti-Asian sentiment would manifest due to the believed origin of the outbreak. My fears became reality, as vicious attacks against my fellow Asian-Americans became regular occurrences, frequently targeting our elders. Even as we collectively emerge from the pandemic, such attacks remain a source of concern and pain in NYC and beyond. After insisting my own 82 year old mother not leave the protection of her house for over a year due to COVID, I added the threat of violence to her reasons to remain home. When people ask how Asian hate has most impacted me, fear of harm coming to her is what I mention. Yet hope perseveres. Building on the momentum of BLM, the Stop Asian Hate movement is where I seek solace. Newly empowered to speak out and support fellow community members, I again find myself in search of portraits and street scenes embodying strength, resilience, and optimism &ndash; to help inspire critical conversations and actions, rooted in empathy and tolerance. Especially following the Atlanta shootings in March, I was overcome by sadness and emotional exhaustion. As a Chinese-American woman, I had become a target. A disconcerting sense of unrest is now my norm. On the streets, I look over my shoulder, pepper spray in hand. The country my grandparents struggled to make their home a century ago has become a source of another struggle two generations later.&nbsp;

Art on the Ave NYC is a community-based initiative, geared towards the revitalization of a neighborhood. Using art, we will breathe new life into the community. Our idea is to regenerate activity in the community by creating a socially-distanced gallery walk.

Visit www.artontheavenyc.com

Working with local property owners, we have filled the vacant storefront windows with thought-provoking art installations by local artists. With art out on display, we hope to bring more local residents out into the neighborhood and bring a sense of confidence, pride and excitement back to the neighborhood. 

www.StoriDot.com

Art on the Ave NYC&nbsp;is a community-based initiative, geared towards the revitalization of a neighborhood.&nbsp;Using art, we will breathe new life into the community. Our idea is to regenerate activity in the community by creating a&nbsp;socially-distanced gallery walk.
Visit <a href="https://www.artontheavenyc.com">www.artontheavenyc.com</a>
Working with&nbsp;local property owners, we have filled the vacant storefront windows with thought-provoking art installations by&nbsp;local artists. With art out on display, we hope to bring more&nbsp;local residents&nbsp;out into the neighborhood&nbsp;and bring a sense of confidence, pride and excitement back to the neighborhood.&nbsp;
<a href="https://storidot.com">www.StoriDot.com</a>

Art on The Ave NYC

Art on the Ave NYC is a community-based initiative, geared towards the revitalization of a neighborhood. Using art, we will breathe new life into the community. Our idea is to regenerate activity in the community by creating a socially-distanced gallery walk.

Visit www.artontheavenyc.com/artists

Working with local property owners, we have filled the vacant storefront windows with thought-provoking art installations by local artists. With art out on display, we hope to bring more local residents out into the neighborhood and bring a sense of confidence, pride and excitement back to the neighborhood. 

www.StoriDot.com

Art on the Ave NYC&nbsp;is a community-based initiative, geared towards the revitalization of a neighborhood.&nbsp;Using art, we will breathe new life into the community. Our idea is to regenerate activity in the community by creating a&nbsp;socially-distanced gallery walk.
Visit <a href="https://www.artontheavenyc.com/artists">www.artontheavenyc.com/artists</a>
Working with&nbsp;local property owners, we have filled the vacant storefront windows with thought-provoking art installations by&nbsp;local artists. With art out on display, we hope to bring more&nbsp;local residents&nbsp;out into the neighborhood&nbsp;and bring a sense of confidence, pride and excitement back to the neighborhood.&nbsp;
<a href="https://storidot.com">www.StoriDot.com</a>