Heart of Dinner Painted Paper Bags (III)

Another set of painted paper bags for the wonderful Heart of Dinner. I had completed two sets and this time around I wanted to create something to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year. I made a paper stencil of an ox, this year’s zodiac symbol. Efficiency would be key to get through 50 bags, so the stencil was really helpful. I filled in each ox shape with red or black paint, then added floral and geometric motifs in gold, which was the extra bit of embellishment that was needed on the oxen.

With the stresses of my apartment move, it took me much longer to complete all 50 bags, but better late than never, right? Especially for an organization that provides food, love, and smiles to New York City Asian elders.

When I dropped off the bags last Wednesday, I was so happy to learn that due to overwhelming response from the community after being featured on the Ellen show, Heart of Dinner has enough bags for months. So the next time around, I will try my hand on some handwritten notecards instead. Need to start brainstorming! 😊

Heart of Dinner Painted Paper Bags (II)

A few weeks ago, I had so much fun painting paper bags for Heart of Dinner, a New York City based organization that feeds Asian elders. I was eager to get more bags, but was also reluctant as illustrating fifty felt quite daunting. I asked the volunteer coordinator if I could take less, but understandably she said fifty was the minimum due to their packing process.

I hesitated, but I had a quick conversation with myself that went something like this: “Rose, if you have time to watch hours of YouTube videos, you have time to paint these bags. Just take them.”

I am so glad I did as Heart of Dinner is doing such amazing work and I am so grateful I can help contribute in some way.

Heart Of Dinner Painted Paper Bags (I)

Early on in the pandemic, I saw a news feature of Yin Chang and Moonlynn Tsai rallying with their community to provide hot meals to Asian elders throughout the New York City area through their Heart of Dinner organization. Months later, my friend and I were talking over dinner about how I yearned to get back into doing creative projects and she reminded me of Heart of Dinner and suggested I illustrate the paper bags they use to package their food. The stresses of the pandemic and work felt me feeling drained, and also not in the headspace to craft and create, which in turn left my creative bucket feeling very empty. I was so motivated by Julie’s suggestion that I emailed the organization the very next day.

At first, I was taken aback by the fifty bag minimum, but I had the best time brainstorming what to paint. With things feeling so out of control in my life and in the world, each brush stroke felt so therapeutic and relaxing. It also warmed my heart knowing I was creating something for such a worthy cause.

Attaching illustrated notes cards that were so beautifully done by another volunteer.

Pop Art Illustration Class (Apex For Youth)

One-Point Perspective Art Class (Apex For Youth)

I had the opportunity to lead a virtual art class for elementary students through Apex For Youth. It has been a minute since I had volunteered with the organization so I was thrilled to help out and put on my creative hat to develop an one-hour class.

After toying with several possible topics to cover, I settled on exploring the principles of one-point perspective and using those concepts to create three-dimensional letters. I thought the kids would gravitate towards seeing how their names could look 3D with simple techniques.

Trying to keep young kids engaged can be tricky online, I mean, I get bored on some Zoom calls. So it was really helpful to do a practice rehearsal with Tra, the volunteer coordinator.

Here are a few slides from the presentation:

The class was really well-received. And, as a naturally shy person, I was mindful to keep my energy level high and upbeat (but not too upbeat) when presenting. I am always reminded of Beyonce, who says she transforms into Sasha Fierce when she is performing.

The class was the perfect marriage of art, education, and serving the community. I am so glad I reached out to Tra to see if there were an opportunities for me to teach. It never hurts to ask, right? Let’s hope there will be many more classes to come.