Flushing mural shows that home is where the art is

Pedestrians stop to admire “Union Street: Where Home Is,” part of a local beautification project. Photo via Chemin Hsiao.

By Rachel Vick

Artist Chemin Hsiao has added even more color to vibrant Flushing, with a wall mural highlighting the neighborhood’s culture and distinctive landmarks, including the No. 7 train and Flushing High School.

The opening event for Hsiao’s recently completed mural, “Union Street: Where Home Is,” will take place on Aug. 15 at 10 a.m., and will feature insight from Hsiao and a visit from Councilmember Peter Koo.

The 30-foot-long mural at 37-23 Union St. decorates the side of a deli and is the first portion a beautification project on the block.

“I hope that people walk away with just a general sense of happiness,” Hsiao said. “As I was putting it up I would get a lot of children and families passing by in the afternoons on their way home, so I was able to see some of that positive reaction across generations.”

Flushing is a vital hub of Asian culture, with large populations of people of Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean descent. Hsiao, who immigrated to Queens from Taiwan, said he was humbled by the opportunity to honor his community.

“I think they chose me because I could relate and part of my experience is similar to a lot of people [in the community]. Hsiao said. “It’s great that people in the area can see themselves somehow in the mural and feel connected to each other and the community.”

The mural is presented by the Asian American Federation as part of the organization’s small business development program, and was made possible in part by funding from the New York Economic Development Corporation and the Queens Council on the Arts.