Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression

As seen on the Disney Parks Blog written by Dren Yensid and posted on May 8, 2023 9:00 am

Dynamic artwork continues to grace the walls of the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression as two artists recently added vibrant pieces as part of “A World of Voices,” which celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Walt Disney World Resort. Check out the two videos below to learn more about the amazing pieces created by Thao French and Andrew Hem, as well as what art means to them and the inspiration behind their work.

French’s signature style is one of my favorites; her art is inspired by the disruptive quality of graffiti and she puts her own spin on it with a spray-painting technique that brings bold textures and colors to her work. French wants to use her art and her story to encourage women like her to pursue their dreams.

“It’s an amazing and powerful feeling to be able to show up and represent for the Asian American Pacific Islander community,” said French, who is Vietnamese-American. “I hope that [my piece] inspires other Asian women to pursue the arts because it’s extremely rewarding.”

Coincidentally, Hem worked as a Disney character artist over 15 years ago in his first job, and the experience served as one of the first steps in making art his career. Fast forward to 2023, and he has a growing career in the art industry and a hefty amount of gratitude to Disney for helping jump-start his future.

In Hem’s mural, the Cambodian-American artist brings together the happiness in his life and the joy guests feel at Walt Disney World Resort.

“When guests come to see my work, I want them to stop, slow down and just explore all the Easter eggs inside my work,” said Hem about the variety of hidden faces found within his piece.

The pieces by French and Hem both tell stories about the artists’ journeys, their true passion for their craft and the joy it brings to their lives. We couldn’t be prouder to showcase their work and the messages behind them here at Disney Springs during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and beyond.

The Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression is continuing to attract more and more murals ahead of its first anniversary on May 22, 2023. Stop by to see the ever-growing showcase of artful storytelling created by these talented artists, and stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for the next additions to the Disney Springs Art Walk.