About the Artist: Wingchow is a Chinese-American muralist and fine artist who began her career in Richmond, VA. Her distinctive style features playful, colorful, amorphous forms that either take center stage or play a supporting role, as her work ranges from pure abstraction to loose symbolic narrative. Her work is often influenced by nature, and viewers are invited to navigate spaces that feel both welcoming yet unknown. She is inspired by simple joys, a search for meaning, and the unseen connections in between. Her works can be found on walls and in galleries across the United States and beyond.
wingchowart.com
This mural is funded through an Art in Place partnership, with support from Downtown Roanoke, Inc., Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke-Downtown, the Roanoke Arts Commission, and Deborah B. Kaplan in memory of the late Karen Shreeman.
Located at 27 Church Avenue Southeast, along the Hampton Inn and Suites, the artwork offers a beautiful backdrop for visitors as they explore downtown.
Tina Workman, President & CEO of Downtown Roanoke, Inc., added, “Pearl Fu Plaza and the nearby sidewalks are heavily trafficked by visitors, so the Hampton Inn and Suites is the perfect location for the vibrant addition.”
Ben Bazak chairs the Placemaking Chair of the Roanoke Arts Commission. "Through the City's Percent for Art Fund we're able to leverage private investment in creative projects," says Bazak. "We enjoy the collective effort: we all contribute to a stronger and more beautiful Roanoke. Key to this project were the efforts of City of Roanoke Muralist in Residence Jon Murrill who helped identify potential artists as we continue to add diversity to the city's increasingly broad range of murals."
The desire for a memorial gift in honor of Karen Shreeman first sparked conversation about this mural. Ms. Shreeman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and passed away on November 2, 2024 at the age of 82.
“Karen was a life long lover of art and color," says mural donor Deborah B. Kaplan. "She creatively inspired many to share that love of art and she mentored her talents within so many individuals within the Roanoke Valley ….and beyond. Murals have the power to add color and light and artistic calm to our community. These projects matter."
Karen Shreeman is survived by her son Joshua Shreeman; her daughter-in-law Marnie Shreeman; her grandchildren, Olivia Grace (spouse Zachary Bell) and Madelaine Rose (spouse Graham Whitaker); her daughter Andrea Shreeman; her grandchild Maverick Soul; her sister-in-law Pauline Goldstein; and her nieces, Erica Hadfield and Laura Goldstein.
To explore more murals in the city, visit www.roanokearts.org/murals.
