Mural at DuPage Children’s Museum

The mural at the DuPage Museum is a city-funded project in Naperville. Titled "Chinese Kite Festival," this artwork will be painted on wooden panels on the museum's south wall. Inspired by my book of the same name, the mural aims to spark imagination and creativity, encouraging viewers to explore artistic expression and embrace creativity in their everyday lives.

The Story

After a frustrating meeting with the SECA commissioners about securing a location for the mural, I drove north on Washington Street, heading home. As I passed the DuPage Children’s Museum, I spotted the perfect wall space. Inspired by the opportunity, I immediately reached out to the museum administration and sent over a detailed proposal. On August 23, an agreement was reached, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the mural project.

Plywood panels were constructed to form a 26' x 12' surface, which was then primed. Once the primer had dried, a precise grid was drawn across the panels, laying the groundwork for the mural’s design.

Images of the kites were sketched onto the primed panels to establish the composition. Experimenting with a range of background colors to identify the most effective combinations

First of 3 segments covered by NC17TV in Naperville

Real-time adjustments were necessary when I realized the paint was drying too quickly under the intense heat of the sun. After some consideration, I decided that a more graphic style would be the best approach for the painting

My equipment was simple—just four brushes and heavy-body acrylic paint.

Nancy Chen, President of CAWA, organized a vibrant opening event, attended by Mayor Scott Wehrli and members of the Chinese community.

Segmant 2 covered by NC17TV in Naperville.

Maneuvering the ladders was a daily challenge.

Everyday bus loads of students watch the process, bus drivers gave thumbs up and visitors stopped to chat.

Two weeks after starting the process, Holiday House, an imprint of Penguin Random House, released a board book version of Chinese Kite Festival. The result? Pure magic.

21 days in.

After 34 days, the mural is finished.

Final segment covered by NC17TV.

Public art not only beautifies our city but it brings people together. Every day, people stopped by. Buses full of students watch the progress of the mural. That is the magic of public art and I am grateful that I am part of this experience. 

The mission is to inspire the viewers to be imaginative and creative not only in art but in everyday life, to make things better for themselves, and for others.