Community Involvement
Minority Cultural Academic Seminar @ BU
Together with three peers, I organized a two-hour Minority Cultural Academic Seminar at Boston University to explore and celebrate global minority art cultures. The event featured four presentations highlighting Chinese Li ethnic brocade and musical traditions, Haitian painting arts, Australian Aboriginal cave art, and Korean traditional folk dance. We combined multimedia demonstrations, physical artifacts, and live discussions to immerse attendees in the cultural significance of these art forms and the challenges they face, including modernization, cultural appropriation, and commercialization.​
The seminar sparked vibrant conversations on cultural preservation, advocating for education, legal protections, and community-led initiatives. It illuminated the role of minority art cultures in preserving heritage and resisting cultural homogenization, fostering collective reflection on the value of safeguarding cultural diversity for future generations.
Bringing Li Brocade to Boston: Dressing the Ducklings
The first time I held a piece of Li Brocade in my hands, I was captivated by its beauty—the vibrant patterns and the intricate weaving. I knew I had to share this incredible craft with the world. So when I arrived in Boston, I thought, why not start with the city’s most delightful residents?
So I started this project of dressing the iconic Make Way for Ducklings statues in the Boston Public Garden with scarves and shawls made from Li Brocade. I brought these beautiful, handwoven fabrics from Hainan, China, and carefully crafted them into wearable pieces. Inspired by the beloved tradition of locals and designers adorning the ducklings with seasonal attire, I wanted to add a burst of cultural vibrancy to this cherished landmark.
For me, this project wasn’t just about dressing up ducklings—it was about making connections and bringing a little piece of home to a place that already felt so full of life and warmth. Seeing people smile and engage with the ducklings reminded me why cultural preservation matters—not only to keep traditions alive but also to share their beauty and meaning in new, unexpected ways. It reminded me that art, no matter how small, has the power to bring smiles, curiosity, and understanding to the world around us.
As I dressed the bronze ducklings in their colorful new garments, passersby stopped with curious smiles. A mother and child paused to take pictures, the little one giggling as she pointed out the “pretty duckies.” An older gentleman asked about the fabric, and when I explained its connection to China’s Li people and the ancient art of brocade-making, he nodded with admiration and told me, “Thank you for bringing a piece of your home here—it makes our city richer.”
Intern @ Hainan Qilou Old Street
During my summer at Haikou Qilou Old Street in Hainan, China, I spent my days sharing the charm and traditions of Hainan with visitors from all walks of life. The street, with its unique blend of Chinese and Southeast Asian architectural styles, became my stage for introducing people to the rich stories behind its culture. I talked about everything from the delicate art of Hainanese vegetarian cuisine to the historical significance of the Qilou buildings that line the bustling avenue.
​
Seeing visitors linger to ask more questions, express newfound appreciation, or share stories of their own reminded me of the quiet yet powerful way cultural heritage can connect and inspire a community.
Street Performances in Shenzhen: Blending East and West
In Shenzhen, China, my friends and I formed a band with a shared passion for merging tradition and innovation. Armed with Western instruments like the saxophone, guitar, and piano, we set out to perform Chinese classical and Chinese style contemporary music on the streets, bringing a fresh sound to the city’s vibrant public spaces.
Performing in the heart of a bustling city, where tradition and modernity coexist, felt like bringing together pieces of two worlds. It wasn’t just about showcasing a fusion of styles—it was about connecting with people through something universal and joyful.
In our performances, we played beloved Chinese classics like Jasmine Flower (茉莉花) and the nostalgic tune The Moon Represents My Heart (月亮代表我的心). The atmosphere was always lively—crowds gathered, a mix of both Chinese and Western faces, smiling and swaying to the music. Sometimes, people even danced along, turning the street into an impromptu celebration of sound and culture.
