Thank you to the Chinese American Museum of Chicago for hosting Shared Lines. It was truly an honor to exhibit my work at your museum.
Next, I’m headed to Albuquerque to participate in the launch of the CABQ Arts & Culture International District Park Public Artwork project. This initiative was inspired by my drawing of a potential neon sign to amplify the district's identity. It’s a collaboration with One Albuquerque, The Orphan Sign Project, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town Grant.
The new neon sign, designed by a local artist, will be installed outside the public library in Albuquerque’s International District. This feels like destiny, as my work has always aimed to foster community, and I’ve long admired the transformative power of books, having worked in publishing as an art director and freelance illustrator.
Route 66 originated in Chicago, at the foot of Lake Michigan, and stretches to the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles. Spanning eight states, it winds through landscapes shaped by layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. The road climbs to 7,000 feet above sea level, touching snow-capped mountains, twists through arid deserts, and offers miles of open highway illuminated only by starlight. It links neon signs in small towns with the bright lights of big cities, forming a microcosm of America.
Often called “The Mother Road” or “Main Street USA”, Route 66 has been home to countless Asians and Pacific Islanders. Whether in small towns or larger cities, they shared a common goal: the pursuit of a better life and the American Dream.
The purpose of this exhibition is to shed light on underrepresented stories and rewrite the narrative of Route 66 to include the contributions of the A.A.P.I. community.
To celebrate the next chapter of my Route 66 project, I’m offering all Route 66 pieces on sale for $1,000.
Thanks for your continued support,
Sammy
