While in Albuquerque, NM, Sammy met an anthropologist who suggested a night drive down Route 66. That was when he noticed the International District, a lively area with a large grocery store and many restaurants, was dark. From the highway this most culturally diverse part of the city was virtually invisible.

When he got home, Sammy decided to design a sign to shed light (literally) on the area. While the National Trust for Historic Preservation was able to secure a $75,000 grant from the National Endowment of the Arts to design and build the sign, that grant money was canceled by the current administration last May. Despite this the Albuquerque community was able to raise funds for the sign. Using Sammy's design as a jumping off point, they engaged local artists and residents, and strived to have the sign built by Route 66's centennial in November. 

However with staff turnover, the project has been put on hold. "One of the challenges of art activism is that many projects begin with excitement and momentum but never reach completion," says Sammy. "It can be discouraging, but it’s also why it’s important to continue creating work that sparks conversation and brings communities together."

• Dimensions: 20 x 32 inches
• Limited edition archival print on canvas stretched on wood frame

Available for pickup only. No shipping or delivery available. Pieces will be available for pickup after the exhibition ends on Sept. 27. Contact gallery manager Angela Tung at angela@pearlriver.com with any questions.

For unframed prints of other sizes, visit Sammy Yuen's website.