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By Ron Calhoun
Art, Identity, and Community Intertwine
A powerful and imaginative transformation is taking shape in Cleveland’s AsiaTown. The transformation is anchored in heritage and envisioned for the future, the project redefines what public space can mean for a community.
Leading this creative effort is artist Jordan Wong (WONGFACE), whose work, in collaboration with The Sculpture Center, MidTown Cleveland, designer Marika Shioiri-Clark, and several other partners, is bringing five vibrant installations to life at the AsiaTown Square Dancing Parking Lot on Payne Avenue.
The project features a profound spirit of belonging with customized ping-pong tables to an illuminated gate and lightbox, each piece carries meaning, artistry.
Celebrating Cultural Identity Through Play
Wong believes public spaces can be more than functional. They can also be playful, beautiful, and deeply rooted in community spirit. One of the first installations, custom ping-pong tables, will energize the site.
“We’re redoing the finishes and customizing the nets. Each net will be made of laser-cut steel, and every table will have its unique color and concept,” Wong explained. “The three tables represent different themes — fluidity of play inspired by water, fiery passion inspired by fire, and peaks and valleys of growth inspired by the earth and our community.”
These tables are not lightweight fixtures. Fabricated for outdoor use, they weigh several hundred pounds each. “They’re heavy enough to resist being moved easily,” Wong added. “And they’ll also be anchored to the concrete using custom brackets to ensure both security and durability.”
Planters That Speak to Unity
Three new aluminum planters will also be installed, adding life and color to the environment. Fabricated by Westfield Welding and finished with UV-printed vinyl by WestCamp, they will display original artwork from three emerging Asian artists: Thao Nguyen, Lydia Guan, and Nick Lee.
Each planter is inspired by the Chinese character 同 (tóng), meaning “together” or “unity.” Wong noted, “It symbolizes the community’s inclusivity and togetherness.
“Each artist comes from a unique background, Vietnamese-Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, and has been encouraged to interpret the character or use a symbol from their heritage. The response to the call for artists was robust and inspiring. We had 20 applicants. It was amazing to see how many people were interested in contributing to this space”, Wong said.
The Asian Gate
A Landmark Welcome of Peace and Perseverance is the most striking feature of the new space, maybe its contemporary entrance gate, blending cultural symbols with interactive features.
This gate will invite curiosity and reflection, designed with bold red aluminum panels, stylized gold linework, and spinnable tiles.
The gate will proudly display the characters (héng) perseverance and (ān) peace, chosen through community input and a public survey.
Three stylized stars represent the traditional Sanxing Fu (fortune), Lu (prosperity), and Shou (longevity). The gate’s design echoes the natural elements, water, fire, and mountains, creating a dynamic visual narrative of life’s rhythms and challenges.
Two arches invite visitors through the space. The leading portal has a clearance of about 7 feet, suitable for most adults, while a smaller, playful 4-foot arch encourages interaction for younger visitors. During the design review, accessibility concerns were raised for the handicapped, and the project team confirmed that clearances meet usability standards for inclusive access.
Lightbox: A Beacon of Hope and Growth
AsiaTown’s transformation will shine, literally, thanks to a 30-foot-wide illuminated lightbox designed to brighten the neighborhood physically and symbolically.
“AsiaTown can be dark at night, and we wanted to create something that lights up the space — a beacon of hope, growth, and cultural pride,” Wong shared.
At the center of the lightbox will be Guanyin, the goddess of compassion and mercy, reimagined as a modern Asian woman. “She exists across many Asian cultures, and here she offers encouragement and connection in today’s context,” Wong noted.
The artwork also features the Four Symbols of Chinese mythology:
- Azure Dragon of the East
- Vermilion Bird of the South
- White Tiger of the West
- Black Tortoise of the North
Each symbol guards life’s directions. Flowing clouds and a traditional Chinese blessing, “All I want in this life is for you to blossom into prosperity,” surround the image, weaving resilience into its message.
Security and Community Presence
Security and safety emerged as key topics during the design review committee meeting. While Wong and his team do not directly oversee long-term site security, they address concerns thoughtfully.
“There’s already a strong connection between lighting and safety,” Wong said. “The lightbox and potential for future illuminated artworks will increase visibility and make the area feel safer. When spaces are well-lit and visibly cared for, people are likelier to visit, and more visitors mean more eyes on the space.”
MidTown Cleveland has been advising on the landscaping strategy and helping create budgets incorporating grading transitions, durability, and maintenance planning. Also, a new AsiaTown advisory committee is helping ensure the site is welcoming, secure, and sustainable.
More Than an Art Project
This effort is about more than aesthetics. It is an investment in the cultural life of Cleveland and a bold gesture toward inclusion, history, and future generations.
“AsiaTown is not just ‘Chinatown,’” Wong emphasized. “It may have started that way, but it now represents a variety of beautiful cultures. It’s so inspiring to see our emerging Asian artists speak to that diversity.”
Each element, whether a table, planter, gate, or lightbox, weaves together artistry and meaning. Doing so gives Cleveland a new gathering place, a celebration of heritage, and a vision for what’s possible when community leads design.
Project Site:
AsiaTown Square Dancing Parking Lot
3236 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
Project Partners:
- Jordan Wong (Lead Artist)
- The Sculpture Center
- MidTown Cleveland
- Marika Shioiri-Clark (Urban Designer)
- WestCamp, Rustbelt Welding, and Signature Sign
Emerging Artists:
Thao Nguyen (@thaon_art)
Lydia Guan (@waak.wah)
Nick Lee (@sirnicklee)
