In just a few weeks, I will be showcasing new hats at the Asian American Resource Center here in Austin, Texas. Look for me as you enter through the lobby doors. My hats will be displayed in the lovely built-in cases near the main auditorium. The exhibition runs through Spring of next year, and many of the hats on display will serve as samples for folks who would like to have a custom piece made before the show’s end.

This year has been a busy season for hat designing and dreaming. While I tried to create approachable hats for my last show, my new exhibition really let’s me play with more drama and whimsey. If only I had another year to create, imagine the things I could come up with. What you will see are some Chinatown-inspired pieces, and although they might not be for everyone, but anyone with a fondness for any Chinatown in the world should appreciate these universal themes. I leave you with a piece I struggled with, but in the end turned out better than I could have imagined. Sometimes a hat’s voice will come out as long as I let her imagination run.

Inspired by every Chinese New Year celebration worldwide.

The Mad Diary

Chinatown In Three Acts