BETHLEHEM, PA “ A new cross-culturally inspired mural entitled "The Tree in the Mirror" now adorns the northern wall of Touchstone Theatre designed by international artists Deng Dafei and He Hai, directors of the Beijing-Hangzhou visual arts collective called the Utopia Group, and created in collaboration with local mural artist Jim Gloria, Co-Founder of the Totts Gap Arts Institute in Bangor, PA through the institutes Heritage Mural Education program.
The mural was completed in April as a part of Touchstones recent two-year-long community-based project, Journey from the East, which sought to explore the history, heritage, and future of the Chinese community in the Lehigh Valley and America
The mural project was supported by The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which provides funds for downtown and surrounding traditional neighborhood revitalization and improvement projects within the Lehigh Valley.
"The Chamber Foundation Grant Program is a unique opportunity for nonprofits, community groups and municipalities across the Lehigh Valley," says Lorie Reinert, executive director of the Chamber Foundation.
"The beauty and sustainability of our main streets is a high priority for The Chamber and the business community, and we are glad for the opportunity to provide support for projects that will provide a positive visual impact in our downtowns and on our Main Streets."
The finished mural, proudly displayed on Touchstones wall, is the result of extensive collaboration and reflective of both the international and local community.
The piece highlights themes of cross-cultural exchange and identity, with images significant to both Chinese and American perceptions of culture scattered throughout. Outlines of both countries can be found hidden in the leaves of an expansive tree, along with other symbolic images such as a Chinese dragon, George Washingtons profile, and even the Bethlehem star.
"The Mural project at Touchstone is a perfect example of collaboration," said Lorie Reinert.
"We are so happy to be able to provide a portion of the funding for this project and others like it!"