Artist’s Statement: The theme of my artwork is always the same: to bring the viewer into direct contact with places and the people who occupy them, and to break down stereotyping and alienation by sharing experience of these places. In the painting Oakland Chinatown, I wanted to charm and excite my viewers with a colorful and historic corner of Oakland Chinatown, and convey some of the energy that has always characterized this part of Oakland. A large building, which is currently occupied by the "Legendary Palace" restaurant, occupies the middle distance of the scene. It is the commanding presence in this painting and represents the long history of a strong Chinese presence in Oakland. I have painted here many times and have learned much about this building. One old man told me that when the United States entered the war against Japan, the entire community gathered in this intersection to celebrate and the leadership gave speeches from these balconies. In the foreground, three youngsters and an adult prepare to cross the street on their way to the Asian Cultural Center in the Asian Renaissance building, which rises in the distance and provides a modern contrast to the old building. This painting was created in my studio based on many smaller paintings that were painted on location. I spent a couple of weeks working at this location and got to know the people and the place intimately.