With support from the California Arts Council, Chopsticks Alley Art will launch “Collective Journeys: Preserving Cultural Stories with Sơn Mài,” an initiative involving local artists in creating art rooted in cultural practices. It aims to uncover, preserve, and celebrate stories through the traditional Vietnamese art form of Sơn Mài (lacquer painting). The project will address social and economic inequalities by prioritizing culturally rooted artistic expressions and collaborative practices.

The program will serve historically and systemically under-resourced communities in Santa Clara County, focusing on Southeast Asian emerging artists. These artists often face challenges related to economic disparity, cultural preservation, and social marginalization.

Key Activities will include researching histories and collecting materials from nature, workshops, and training of artists in Sơn Mài traditions, creating art projects, exhibition and public showcase of the artworks, and community dialogues.