Painting a New Vision of Chinatown

Just beyond Chinatown’s Gate of Maternal Virtue, nearly a dozen artists propped up easels and umbrellas Thursday to paint their interpretations of the community.

Their paintings, combined with others that have been created since April, will be displayed at a gallery as part of revitalization efforts.

The exhibit is the first of several events beginning the Chinatown Art Festival, which will continue until July 22 and is organized by the Los Angeles Chinatown Business Council and the California Art Club.

In an effort to renew interest in Chinatown’s historical background and to raise money for upkeep, festival organizers are hoping the paintings will spark support of a 10-year revitalization plan. They want to encourage more Southern California residents to visit the Chinese bakeries and jade jewelry stores that make the neighborhood north of downtown Los Angeles a cultural hub.

“Anyone can relate to this art,” said Roger Hong, a council member whose father helped fund and design Chinatown 63 years ago. “Visitors will see the rich cultural beauty. And the people who live and work here will be inspired to see the community differently.”

According to art club officials, this is the first time Chinatown has been painted for a formal display. Peter Adams, president of the California Art Club, said the organization’s artists use Plein Aire paintings, which are drawn outdoors, to capture a community’s spirit and preserve its history.

Gail Garner Roski, a Los Angeles artist, said painting the colorful Chinese lanterns that hang above some shops reminded her of childhood visits to the area. Using watercolors, Roski focused on the bright colors and unique rooftops in her paintings.

“For me, painting Chinatown is like completing a circle,” said Roski, a festival co-chairwoman. “I have so many fond memories of this community.”

Hong said the council has a wish list of development ideas, such as installing new lamp posts and planting trees, that it hopes to implement. Several buildings and community landmarks also need to be refurbished, he said.

The council already has heightened security and maintenance work.

For more information, visit https://www.chinatownla.com or call the Chinatown Business Council at (213) 680-0243.