Care for Chinatown: Murals by Loe Lee

Loe Lee created six large-scale murals in various parts as part of a neighborhood revitalization project with Welcome to Chinatown.

Care for Chinatown by Harry TrinhWelcome to Chinatown

About Care for Chinatown

Care for Chinatown is a neighborhood revitalization project founded by Welcome to Chinatown & Loe Lee in hopes of conveying the stories of small businesses through meaningful artwork. The murals would jump start the growth and livelihood of the business while welcoming everyone.

fullartwork-webreadyWelcome to Chinatown

Chinese American Planning Council’s Child Care Center

CPC envisioned the mural to have families who are diverse in age and ethnicity surrounded by nature to represent growth with the Williamsburg bridge in the background. The dim sum, fruit stand & noodles are all culturally relevant foods and key features of the neighborhood.

fullartwork-me-dragon3Welcome to Chinatown

Chinese American Planning Council’s Early Childhood Center

This mural represents a dreamscape to open up the children’s eyes to whimsical and magical experiences. This hallway is meant to instill calmness and wonder for all who enter through.

gateneighborhood-webWelcome to Chinatown

Soft Swerve

Soft Swerve and Loe wanted to create a mural that stood out in the neighborhood and apart from existing graffiti. They combined the main social demographic of Soft Swerve’s customers with the whimsical, fun-loving feeling of dessert.

Advancing Our Community by Loe LeeWelcome to Chinatown

Chinese American Planning Council Manhattan Community Center

CPC’s mission is to provide a sense of togetherness through support, professional development, & transformative change. In the artwork, you will see a diverse group of people that portrays the Chinatown community interacting with one another and symbols of Chinatown.

IMG_0864-wholethingWelcome to Chinatown

Sun's Organic Garden

For this artwork, owners Natalie and Art wanted to show a paradise oasis as a metaphor that their shop is a safe escape from the rest of the city. They wanted to add elements that hold special meaning to their shop and message. 

image2Welcome to Chinatown

Chinatown Optical

The founder started the business to cater to the recent immigrant community back in the 70s when optical shops were limited for the Chinese community.  The story they wanted to tell through its mural was about Chinatown’s transformation.

Yaya TeaWelcome to Chinatown

Yaya Tea Garden

Loe collaborated with Yaya Tea Garden to design two window murals. One mural is traditionally commercial with their menu items displayed and the second mural depicts a child and her grandmother enjoying Yaya’s products in a carefree space. 

IMG_0810-2Welcome to Chinatown

About Loe Lee

Loe Lee is a senior branding designer turned illustrator living in Chinatown NYC. She has had the privilege of illustrating for both Fortune 100 companies and local businesses.

Credits: Story

Loe Lee, Wenny Chan

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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