Artwork filled the walls of Pacific Clinics’ Asian Pacific Family Center (APFC) in Rosemead as community members, employees, families and local artists gathered for the Asian Pacific Family Center’s annual Art Exhibition’s grand opening. Hosted at 9353 E. Valley Blvd. in Rosemead, the event showcased artwork from artists of all ages across the San Gabriel Valley, highlighting culture and self-expression.
The exhibition featured more than 260 submitted pieces, including paintings, drawings and mixed-media 5-by-5-inch artworks. The center’s recreational room became a gallery space showcasing artwork across four age categories: ages 0-16, 16-25, adults ages 26-59, and older adults ages 60 and older.
“I think it’s a very meaningful event where clients across all ages can participate together,” said Beryl Li, program director and event organizer.
Li said the event highlights how art can help people communicate emotions and experiences in ways that may feel more accessible than words alone.
“Oftentimes, Asian Americans may not know how to express themselves verbally,” Li said. “But through art, it helps them share what they think and how they feel.”
The exhibition includes a community art contest where attendees can vote for their favorite pieces across the age categories. In addition to the competition entries, a “Peace Corner” displayed noncompetitive artwork, allowing an intentional space for anyone who wanted to contribute to the exhibition without participating in judging.
Community participation extended beyond Pacific Clinics’ programs. According to Beryl, local art studios, students and community members also reached out after seeing the promotional materials for the event.
“Some people saw our poster or Instagram post and came to drop off artwork,” Li said. “We even had people submitting pieces the same day because they wanted to be part of it.”
The event also served as a celebration of APFC’s 40th anniversary with food symbolizing longevity and wellness. Guests were served vegetable noodles representing long life, alongside shou tao, traditional longevity peach buns that symbolize immortality and blessings for the future. A birthday cake was also served to commemorate the milestone anniversary.
Organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), hosted resource tables and shared information about mental health services and community support available.
The exhibition created a welcoming space where community members of all ages could feel seen and encouraged to express themselves authentically.
