Community in Action Mural 2017
Coverage of the Unveiling / October 10, 2017
Community in Action Project: A Mural for the Vietnamese People is a 2017 cultural organizing project based in Boston’s Dorchester Community.
Please follow this blog to get updates on the project as well as learn more about our process of creating the project. #VietStoriesMural #DOTCommunity
Project Director: Ngoc-Tran Vu
Project Assistant: Kathy Le
Core Artists: Tam Le, Justin Nguyen Phuoc, Tony Vu
Guest Artists: Hung Vu, Grace Ejiwale, Tommy Nguyen, Chau Truong
Steering Committee: Michelle Christian, Joan Dotruong, Grace Ejiwale, Tam Le, Cuong Nguyen, Duoc Nguyen, Tommy Nguyen, Hung Vu
Community Partner & Support: Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW), Phở Hòa Restaurant, Reign Drink Lab
This Project was made possible by NEFA’s Creative City Grant and TLe Enterprise. Thank you to everyone who supported us and our work!
#VietStoriesMural #DOTCommunity
Read the article here.
Here to Stay! / October 9, 2017
After long months of drafting, meeting, fixing, tweaking, the mural finally made its appearance. On a windy Saturday, October 1st, a small portion of the community came together to set up the big day. Groups of people were carrying and lifting boxes up and down. Trash and garbage were being removed. Balloons were getting blown up, pinned up, and then popped in the wind. Tents were coming together and so was the event setting.
As time reached closer to the start of 10, the wind continues to blow, guiding people into the event. Time hit 10AM, and the volunteers got to their stations. The audience started to gather by the mural's veiling, hoping that the wind blew hard enough for people to take a glimpse. Luckily, the veil was tight enough that it didn't catch wind to fly away. People started to mingle, scouting for food. Little people and big adults gathered to get cotton candy, snacks, and drinks. People brought the sunlight under this cloudy chilly day.
Local news reporter, and interviewers picked their corner. This mural was the talk of the town. Members of the project got pulled in from every corner. Interviewers were asking about the process of its making, the meaning behind it, the references made in the mural. Some hard questions, some easy questions. Long answers, short answers. All interviews pulled the hours closer, by then, time hit 11AM.
Waiting, waiting, and then it's finally time... Unveiling. People moved to the center, in front of the veiling yet again. Volunteers pulled away from the booths, and redirected all attention. Our local translator and Tran started off with thanking people within the crowd. They spoke of how the mural came to be. One to the other, more and more people were pulled up to share their input about the project. Then, finally, the biggest thing people were waiting for... 3... 2... 1... *drop*
The mural is finally unveiled for people to see!
The sun came out, some people clapped and cheered, others were in awe. The audience gathered closer for a picture of the mural, of themselves with the mural. Drones were flying across the sky, scanning every panel. Next thing you hear were people congratulating members of the mural team. Reporters then asked the team to get together to get a photo of recognition in front of their masterpiece.
Long after catching up, seeing the unveiling, the mural and all, people started to leave. The community knew that the mural isn't going anywhere, and that people can come back to see it anytime. Volunteers cleaned up, the audience left, and the team headed out to eat in celebration. Everyone left with the knowledge that it's here permanently, and here to stay. Just because the community in action mural is done, it doesn't mean there can’t be another one, but that is the hope for another day. For now, we hope we were able to show the community that things can be done when we work together.
Until then, the team would like to thank everyone who got involved to make this mural happen.
Top row; left to right: Tony, Cuong, Tam, "Duoc", "Hung" (Names in quotes, are people who weren't originally in the picture)
Middle row; left to right: Tommy, Joan, Tran, Kim, Susan, Justin.
Bottom row; left to right: Grace, Kimberly, Michelle.
Want to see it in person, but have no idea where it is? No worries!
Come check it out at 1370 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA.
- Kathy Le
Lots of love from the Dorchester Reporter! / October 4, 2017
Thanks to the Dorchester Reporter for covering our project continuously since the beginning!
Read the article here.
"What’s exciting about this public art project is that it’s a team effort in every sense of the word. Tam Le, whose family runs Pho Hoa and the companion Reign Drink Lab, has been an eager partner."
From the Dorchester Reporter article
Program Brochure / October 2, 2017
Here's the beautiful program brochure designed by Justin NP for those who couldn't make it out today. Please do come by the mural to visit when you get the chance! #VietStoriesMural #DOTCommunity
Designed by Justin Nguyen Phuoc
Designed by Justin Nguyen Phuoc
We are in Boston Magazine! / September 28, 2017
Read the article here
“I was seeing a lack of art in Dorchester,” Tran explains. She was very aware of the long history of the Vietnamese community in the area, and felt that those two areas of interest could be combined. “I started thinking about the changing landscape, and how do we hang on to the histories and stories and narratives, and that’s when I really saw this important need for art.”
Boston Magazine article
We are featured in the Bay State Banner! / September 28, 2017
Check out the article here.
“I hope the older generation sees it and they get a sense of pride that their experience is being represented,” said Tam Le. “And because the youth created it, they know we won’t forget where we come from and we will honor them through this.”
Bay State Banner article
Boston Ujima's Gift / September 27, 2017
Boston Ujima Project: Click here
Within this month, the mural project was submitted into the Boston Ujima Project's grant. Project after projects, rolling in and out, Ujima had approved it into the next round. However, that did not confirm its chances of being granted with the reward just yet. The next round involved pitching the project to the Ujima team, publicly, to be granted the reward. The pitching was not the problem, it was the timing that did not work out so well with our local lead artist.
Tran was actually out of state, caught in a hurricane trying to get out while the pitch was happening. When Tran finally made it into Boston, she was informed that her project was granted by Ujima's gift. How was that even possible?!
Truth to be told, Tran actually asked her assistant a favor to do the pitch while she attempted to leave Florida from Hurricane Irma. I'm grateful to say, it was a great experience to pitch and ultimately received the grant from Ujima.
On the day of pitching for the grant, the weather started off fairly cool and bright. Ujima's themed event, "Dreaming Wild," was located at the First Church of Roxbury. I raced my way there only to figure out, I was already late, but the programming was also delayed. Gathering my thoughts, I muttered my lines well enough to pitch them.
I have to admit, I was nervous. I also have to admit that I was confused and hungry, for I was one of the youngest people to pitch at an environment I did not recognize. Not long after I arrived, I met other people who also had to pitch their great ideas and plans. Ideas from businesses and other artists that had projects benefitting communities in the most incredible ways. Again, I went to mutter under my breath to make sure that I fit the time frame.
Flashing forward in time, the pitching stage was moved to another room. Artists were pitching first, and in the line-up there were ten presentations to get to. Of all ten presenters, this very project was first to pitch. The time frame given was two minutes. I wished there were more time to pitch the idea, but two was all I had.
To start a two-minute pitch... I threw a disclaimer that the lead artist is flying away from the hurricane, and that I am only seventeen years old, and pitching in a room full of adults. The faces changed so fast when I stated such facts. Running through what I had rehearsed, I still couldn't manage the time; two-minute was gone. Never have I thought I would ever be scared of two minutes in my entire life. I watched the two-minute cut into other presentation, and that created more pressure for me. Presenters sat back down after the pitch; all there was left was waiting.
The pressure and long wait ate art presenters alive. We were dying to know who was given the grant, wishing each other the best of luck. Time was still ticking, slowly. The waiting time span literally had me questioning, "Why was this time-span not the presenting-time, instead of just two minutes?"
Voting numbers wrapped up, and it was time to announce. That was when Tran had landed, and Ujima had granted us our reward. We were given the grant. We were given Ujima's gift.
Overall, I thought it was an exciting new experience. Ujima did a very good job on the programming, setting up, and orientation. We appreciate Ujima members so much, for believing in our project and granting us the gift to implement it! I hope that Ujima gets far in its existence! If you would like to know more about Ujima, you can follow-up on the link right below.
For more information on Boston Ujima Project, please visit https://www.ujimaboston.com
- Kathy Le
Beautiful Flyer for our Unveiling Block Party 10/1! / September 22, 2017
We are beyond excited to unveil this mural soon! Please check back for more updates. In the meantime, do remember to use the hashtags #VietStoriesMural and #DOTCommunity as we are creating a communal digital archive.
Rain check: New date is now Sunday October 1st 10am-1pm, see you there.
Thank you! Cám ơn :D
Designed by Tam Le
10/1 Unveiling Mural Block Party! / September 12, 2017
Please join us for the unveiling celebration of the Community in Action Mural Project! There will be food, music and lots of festivities for all ages.
Xin vui lòng tham gia cùng chúng tôi để kỷ niệm lễ công bố của "Dự Án Nghệ Thuật trong Cộng Đồng"! Sẽ có thức ăn, âm nhạc và rất nhiều lễ hội cho mọi lứa tuổi.
Flyer by Tam Le
Last But Not Final Meeting for Steering Committee / September 6, 2017
Sunlight seeps through the windows to announce the perfect weather this past Saturday for the third meeting with Steering Committee team. Though it may have felt like this was going to be last meeting session for the Steering Committee, it is most definitely not the final time that we will meet. As members gathered in the early morning, people were still excited to see what is on the table to be discussed, and especially what will cover the blank canvas. Constructive comments were offered, and feedback was given. Picking one image to the next, the art team and lead artist did their best to dissect parts of the image explaining the origin of how it made to the big picture. Later that day, everyone was taken to the location of where the big canvas will be mounted to see how things are progressing.
Bottom left to top right: Kathy, Tam, Tommy, Joan, Duoc, Cuong, Grace, Kevin, Tran
Photo Credit: Son Ca
Tran unrolls the scroll that holds the secret picture (to the public)!
Tran talks logistics of future events that will be happening! (Psst~ Read the projection!)
Photo credit: Son Ca
Left to Right: Tam, Duoc, Tony, Tran, Michelle, Hung, Joan, Tommy, Kathy.
Posing with happiness after seeing the work and all the progress.
All in all, things went amazing and feedback given from each members was very helpful! We are all very excited to see what will be shown at the unveiling!
- Kathy Le
Gridding and Fitting! / September 6, 2017
It has been a while since anything was updated. It would be nice to apologize, but it seems better to announce that while away, the art team has been getting to work with a few extra helping hands. For the past few weeks, members would come in at their own time to grid, and put down marks onto the blank canvas. The team had a great time bonding with each other during the marking process. Every moment was positive and productive. Everyone would cautiously move around as they drew, and took a step back at every moment to check their process.
Left to Right: Tony, Tam, and Tran.
Photo Credit: Kathy Le
Art team discussing about where each picture is placed with measurements.
Left to Right: Kimberly and Tran
Photo Credit: Kathy Le
Mixing paint!!!
Left to Right: Tony and Hung
Photo Credit: Kathy Le
Tony casts his own shadow to see his mark more easily, while Hung cautiously measures and make proportions to his images.
Though not all art team members could be there to help physically, they helped behind the scenes. All help from everyone was great, including people out of the art team. With this much help and support from all sides, this mural will turn out incredible. So far, the marking looks good! However, marks are not final, and good may always be better and that is what we will achieve!
- Kathy Le
Be KIND and Support the Mural Art Project too! / August 12, 2017
We are raising additional funds through the KIND Campaign and we would love your help by voting for our community-led mural project! You can vote up to four times directly here.
Please do help spread the word to your family and friends as well! Thank you for your support.
"Approximately 20,000 Vietnamese residents live in Boston and have migrated here as refugees since 1975; yet their narratives are not widely known. “A Mural for the Vietnamese Community” involves the creation of a permanent large-scale outdoor mural that showcases the history, culture, and vision of the Vietnamese people in Dorchester, Boston's largest and most diverse neighborhood. At the heart of the project is a steering committee made up of residents who will provide feedback throughout the process. In creating and executing this mural project centered on the experience of the Vietnamese American community, we hope to raise awareness, facilitate dialogue, and inspire engagement for a more inclusive Dorchester, Boston and beyond." #VietStoriesMural #DOTCommunity
Video by David Shoup
Getting Smart with Art / August 12, 2017
From long days of work, from different areas, the art team still had few more task to go for. After the Steering Committee meeting from Saturday, the art team met to discuss the suggestions made of the draft presented on Wednesday. The team was deciding the proportions of the boards and how the small art work was going to be stretched onto the big canvas itself. They knew they had to get smart with art on a physical level. Getting back on the drawing boards, the members came along to work with the real boards the following days.
Left to Right: Tam, Tony, Justin, Kathy
Putting all thoughts and minds together for the art pieces. (Photo: Tran)
The Working Process Behind the Scenes
Down in an eerie location, where pieces of the mural canvas is at, members changes up the mood of the location. Everyone was hard at work, having fun and bonding with members of different age range! Kicking shoes off to work in comfort! Every members had their hands on deck! From heavy lifting, sanding down boards, rolling on base coats, mixing paint, etc. There was a lot to be done, in a cut-out time! However, in all the hard work, there were still moments to have fun! Music, laughter, and jokes flew in and about the location! Who said working had to be boring and serious all the time?
As far as this process goes, it seems like there will be no problem working with one another. It already seems like a big family at work! This project only pulled community members closer with every meet!
- Kathy Le
Steering Forward! / August 7, 2017
The week was long, this Saturday started slow, but that did not stop anyone from getting work done! Though a few members could not make it, each members still participated like last meet. In the time span between last Steering Committee meeting to this recent one, art team has been putting drafts of what the blank canvas would showcase. Drafts followed by drafts, there was something to present in the meeting. However, just because it was presented to the meeting, does not mean the draft is made final. Throughout the meeting, every member contribute ideas and feedbacks to further challenge the creativity in the project. Questions were thrown from every sides of the room asking if the theme and art piece itself meant each other halfway. Most times, the meeting was serious, but of course there were fun discussions as well. Hopefully, by the next meeting session, ideas placed on the table would come alive in the final product.
Left to right: Tam, Hung, Son Ca, Cuong, and Joan
Even in the serious times of getting our work on, there are light moments. (Photo: Carolyn)
Left to right (back row): Tam, Tony, Tommy, Carolyn, Joan, Hung
Left to right (front row): Cuong, Grace, Kathy, Tran (Photo: Son Ca)
After a long day of meeting session, it seems that members are glad we are steering forward!
- Kathy Le
"Thousand Star Hotel" with Bao Phi / August 2, 2017
Bao Phi is by the lectern, reading his pieces from his published book to the audience.
(Photo: Tran)
On a cool Monday, Vietnamese American poet Bao Phi had held an event at the Pao Art Center, where he passionately reads his pieces, from his published book, "Thousand Star Hotel," then ends it on a question and answer session. His published book contains poems written from his experiences, his parents' experience, struggles from being Asian and/or foreign. Written pieces dissects the idea of self-hate, love desire, etc. The process of the book was written in a mindset in which he challenges himself to resist the negative lens given by culture and society.
This event was very special and worth the experience. Especially hearing from Bao Phi, as he shows his colors and great gratitude to every members (from volunteers, staffs to audience members). He also spoke about the importance of having more than just one Vietnamese narrative and that the Vietnamese people are the best ones to tell their stories.
Don't worry if you missed his reading, you can still get a hold of his book, "Thousand Star Hotel," where you can read more pieces than what he presented that day! All in all, it was a great way to end a Monday night!
-Kathy Le
Blank Canvas / July 29, 2017
On Wednesday, the artist team got together to discuss more about design that is being placed upon the wall. It was suggested that we go outside and look at the wall to get better gist of what was happening. Not long after, ideas being suggested were put together! Though Justin could not make to the meeting that day, physically, he called in to join the discussion. Happy to say, after long time drafting with the design idea put together, we can bring this idea to the Steering Committee soon!
-Kathy Le
Boards are in! / July 29, 2017
No need to wait any longer! The boards are finally in!
Tam and Hung are taking care of the board upon its arrival!
With the boards in, the mural project is getting closer to the painting process and its opening as well! We are all excited with the whole process getting a move on the road!
-Kathy Le
Have You Been "Tied Together by a Thousand Threads?" / July 16, 2017
"Tied Together by a Thousand Threads"
Missed out on the unveiling of another community's mural, in Chinatown, on this cloudy morning? Don't worry! Think Chinatown 2017 Team, ACDC, and their supporting members have put up a mural that goes through the history of Chinatown itself. The ceremony provided acts, bubbles, and the inspirational backstory of how this mural came to be as well. Though it may seem conveniently best to tell it here, it would defeat the point of see this mural yourself. The mural is located at 15-25 Harrison Avenue, next to Beard Papa and Chatime. Go check it out and support the project!
-Kathy Le
Steering the Right Way! / July 2, 2017
On this sunny Saturday at 3pm, the Steering Committee board came together to discuss about the mural. The agenda consisted of many tasks to go through, but that did not slow the team down. The first thing each member did was introduced each other to the whole team after doing "turn-and-talks." But, of course, turning and talking, and introducing each other does not tell each board members much about how everyone works. Certainly, to see how members work with each other, we loosened the tensions and went into a team building exercise.
The three-hour meeting ended up going over a few minutes, but that was not a problem! The Steering Committee did a lot to steer the designs and ideas the right way. The mural project is on its way thanks to the Steering Committee and the Artists team, but we are not done just yet. The team still has much more great work ahead of us. Thank you to everyone who made the meeting possible, especially to Phở Hòa Restaurant for providing the food and space!
-Kathy Le
Bright Ideas! / June 28, 2017
On this sunny Wednesday, in Reign Drink Lab, the artists gathered for a brief meeting where bright ideas for the mural was jumping around! We also did preparation for the Steering Committee meeting, in the upcoming Saturday! Though time wasn't on our side today, we did get a lot figured out. From symbols to purpose of each assigned ideas, we only get closer to making the mural happen. The next question for us to move into mural project itself is... How will our team put the ideas and themes into the project for the community? Guess we'll have to find out soon, where brighter ideas will come together!
-Kathy Le
From left to right, clock-wise: Tony Vu, Justin Nguyen, Ngoc-Tran Vu, and Kathy Le (Photo: Sky)
Dorchester cohort check-in / June 23, 2017
We had a check-in meeting today. Storyteller Valerie Stephens, Writer and Project Manager Denise Delgado, and I gave updates on our Creative City projects and shared our on-going challenges as well as progresses over some great Vietnamese food. Fun fact: this Phở Hòa Restaurant is where the mural project will be at on the big wall of the right side of its main entrance. Thank you ladies for a wonderful and fruitful lunch!
All artists meeting with Valerie Stephens, Tran Vu, and Denise Delgado at Phở Hoà Restaurant.
Second Artists' Meeting / June 19, 2017
Today at Reign Lab Drink in Fields Corner, we workshopped our ideas and designs. We narrowed down the main themes of the mural to be: Vietnamese Presence, Unity, and Brighter Future where we further talked about symbolisms. We wanted represented major symbols that would relate the community in the project, itself. In the following week, we will meet again on, Wednesday, to continue prepare for our big design presentation, at the first Steering Committee meeting on Saturday, July 1st.
First Artists' Meeting! / June 13, 2017
Left to right: Tony Vu, Kathy Le, Tran Vu, and Justin Nguyen on webcam. (Photo: Liz Bishop)
Woohoo! We got the project started and on the road! We approached with our first meeting today, with local Vietnamese youth artists, at the Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW), located in VietAID Community Center, in Dorchester. We've brainstormed some ideas and sketches out preliminaries images to talk about as our starting blocks. Justin was out of town, physically, but was able to meet virtually through his webcam to join in our first artist meeting.
We are looking for more Steering Committee Members in the Project! / June 5, 2017
Are you a Dorchester resident or connected to the neighborhood in some way? Do you want to participate and support a community-collaborative mural project? Are you able to attend all of the following meeting dates and big event?
Saturday, July 1st 3-6pm
Saturday, August 5th 3-6pm
Saturday, September 2nd 12-3pm
Mural's Opening Party: Saturday, September 30th (TBA time)
If yes to all of these questions, please let us know asap! We want to hear from you.
Dorchester Day Parade 2017! Lots of neighborhood pride :D / June 4, 2017
Info Session Action! / June 3, 2017
Thank you everyone who came out for the info session today and for Tam for generously hosting us at Reign Lab Drink! What insightful and fruitful conversations we had for two hours. In addition, please help us spread the word about the Mural Project and ways to participate below:
Join the Steering Committee
Join the Artists crew
Support the project overall
Attendees in talks at Reign Lab Drink. (Photo: Tommy Nguyen)
Attendees in discussions. (Photo: Tommy Nguyen)
Project's Info Session / May 31, 2017
Our info session will be happening this Saturday! Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors to come and learn more about the project and how to get involved.
(Flyer: Kathy Le)
NEFA's Creative City Artist / May 30, 2017
Woohoo my new cards for the project is on its way to the printer and will be coming out soon! It will be available in local public spaces in Fields Corner and Dorchester. Feel free to email me or Kathy if you would like one.
[Frontside of postcard] Photo: Richie Leng, Art: Daniel Villafaña
[Backside of postcard]
Our weekly meeting / May 23, 2017
Kathy and I meet weekly to plan for the project over bubble tea in Fields Corner. In today's meeting at CocoLeaf in Fields Corner, we have a few guests including Kevin Lam and Jeannie Do from AARW, the project's Community Partner, and Tony Vu, a local college student who's interested in supporting the project.
Back row from left: Kevin Lam and Tony Vu; Front row from left: Jeannie Do and Tran Vu. (Photo: Kathy Le)
Creative City's 4th Cohort Gathering / May 3, 2017
Creative City's fourth cohort of Boston artists. (Photo courtesy: NEFA)
We met today and shared about our work with one another as well as got connected to the wealth of information, resources, and guides for our projects. Congrats to all the Creative City grantees and I look forward to getting to know everyone and their practices more! So exciting!
Meet my new project assistant Kathy Le! / April 27, 2017
Kathy Le is a 17 years old Vietnamese American who attends Boston Latin Academy as a junior. Her extra-curricular activities include volleyball, being the art director and now president of the Asian Student Association Club. Kathy grew up in Dorchester most of her life, and she's glad to be a part of the project and share her ideas.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the project, please reach out to Kathy, at le.k.bla312@gmail.com.
I am super excited to have Kathy join the mural project and I look forward to working with her! Welcome to the team :D
"Mural celebrating Vietnamese heritage set for Fields Corner" / April 19, 2017
Check out this article featuring the project in the Dorchester News!
