Care for Chinatown: Murals by Loe Lee

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.