2022 Viet Voices Mural

In this video, learn who Thao Huynh French is and how her skills brought to life a community mural project in the heart of City Heights. Thanks to the Viet Voices San Diego community efforts, the organization was awarded funding by the City of San Diego to make this mural project come true.

Words from the Artist

"The Lunar New Year, or as the Vietnamese call it, "Tết", is the biggest celebration in our culture because it is about clearing out the old from the past year and celebrating what is to come in the following year. It is a time for us to gather, feast, and give each other red envelopes filled with money to bring good blessings and wealth. It is also an opportunity for us to let go of the past, and go into the new year with hope and happiness. This year is the year of the Tiger, which means strength, courage, fearlessness, and independence.

The inspiration behind this mural was to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Tiger, but over time, it has evolved into something much more profound and meaningful for the Vietnamese community. The meaning behind this mural is layered on so many levels; the resilience and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, where we've been, and where we are now.

The ocean represents the refugee journey, as well as the generational turmoil that many of us know. It reminds us of the family we left behind, as well as how disconnected we feel with each other - like we are oceans apart even when we live in the same household. The strongest people I know in my life are Asian women - we often hide our pain and don't always ask for help because we are so independent. Her stoic expression I hope conveys that.

The energy of the tiger is designed to show how we approach all of life's challenges, with fearlessness and strength, as well as all of the exciting opportunities and adventure of what's to come in the new year. The Lunar New Year is about leaving what didn't serve us from the previous year and starting fresh with love, nurturement, and togetherness. I hope no matter what country you're from, you too, can celebrate with us.

This mural is for the AAPI community. A tribute to the resiliency, compassion, and empathy we still have for others, even during times of adversity; as well as a tribute to our traditions, old and new. I hope that there is something anyone from any background can take away from this mural.

I hope I was able to make Little Saigon and my family proud. I hope that when you see this mural, it captivates you and inspires you to think about how you, too, can show up for your community. Chúc mừng năm mới and Happy New Year, everyone! Special thanks to: Nathan Fletcher and his staff; My husband and my family for their support; Viet Voices for lifting me and helping me succeed as an artist - thank you for listening to my crazy ideas! My friend, Brian Hoang, from Halifax, Canada, for letting me paint his incredibly fierce tiger!"

– Thao Huynh French, Mindful Murals

From the Partners

"My name is Huy Tran, President of Viet Voices. Today, we bring the community out together to celebrate our cultural tradition of bringing the new Lunar Year of Tiger, with a special mural that we collaborate with Vietnamese artist, Thao Huynh French of Mindful Murals. This special project for our community has been funded by the County of San Diego's grant with the support of Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. With that, Viet Voices wants to thank the Supervisor for recognizing the rich diversity of City Heights, also the home of many Vietnamese community members and the amazingly talented Thao Huynh French for her special vision imagined into the reality today."

– Huy Tran, Viet Voices