Asian District Murals

Sandra Bosscher is a contemporary artist from Chandler, Arizona. She graduated with a Bachelor of Design from York University and Sheridan College in Toronto, Canada. Her work is inspired by nature and exploring the places around her. She loves discovering and experiencing new places in Mesa’s Asian District.

She was one of four artists selected to produce murals in Mesa’s Asian District. Festival of Unity is located on the UNITS Moving and Portable Storage building, 150 S. Dobson Road.

Inspired by the diversity of Asian cultures celebrated in the Asian District, Bosscher designed her mural to reflect the strength and unity of the West Mesa community. She uses vibrant colors, movement, and shapes in her art to capture renowned Asian traditions – from the dragon and koi to the water and sun. The mood of strength is evoked in the strong pose of the culturally significant tiger. The flow of the mural represents moving forward together, united, and strong.

Ariana Enriquez is an Arizona native who graduated from Arizona State University with a BFA in Painting. While much of her work is inspired by the Sonoran Desert, Enriquez was honored to be selected in 2022 to create a series of murals that capture the joy and energy of the Asian District, where she visits often.

The Mesa artist’s murals, named Take Flight, are located on the north wall and along the 15 columns of the shopping center, 111 S. Dobson Road.

Enriquez developed Take Flight to pay homage to Asian cultures and traditions. She communicates the Asian District’s three pillars – culture, commerce, and community - through symbolism. She included cranes to signify longevity and good fortune. Flowers also tell a story: Peonies serve as a symbol of prosperity, red irises are considered healing flowers for purifying negative energies, and cherry blossoms are emblematic of renewal. The columns include flowers and birds that represent the 15 most populous Asian countries.

Kai Ekbundit is third-generation Chinese born in Thailand who moved to the U.S. when she was 15. Kai is an international graphic designer, commercial architectural designer, artist, educator, and student. She believes in designing in harmony with the subconscious mind with the respect to the environment. She loves the authentic food in the Asian District, introducing friends to Asian culture, and shopping for unique plants and art décor. Kai is proud to help shape the community her family and friends frequent and hopes to create a mural that expresses diversity and inclusion of all Asian cultures.

Phoenix artist Francisco Garcia has painted murals in 12 different countries. He finds many aspects of Asian culture beautiful, especially the arts, cuisine, and ceremonies. He appreciates the variety of businesses in Mesa’s Asian District and hopes more people visit and support the area.

Francisco became the fourth artist selected to create murals in Mesa’s Asian District in 2022. His mural, Hépíng and Zhùfú, is located to the west of the entrance of AZ International Marketplace, 1920 W. Broadway Road.

Francisco designed his mural to highlight peace and blessings, just as his mural title, Hépíng and Zhùfú, means in Mandarin. Pandas are iconic, symbolizing peace and friendship in the Asian culture. Because of their black and white spots, pandas also have been compared to the yin and yang in Chinese philosophy. The tranquil background showcases the harmony of nature. Greens also represent wealth, purity and growth. He added dimension to the mural by blending the flora into the planter so that visitors can walk into the scene.

Steve Kosar and Caroline Woods have made beautiful art together since they met in 2003 in Phoenix. Their artwork conveys a feeling of love and compassion for a culture rich in history. For this mural project, they want to communicate the contributions of Asian cultures, and share the stories of the Asian community to enlighten residents, and visitors.

David R. Martinez is a Mesa native artist/painter who graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He is excited about the opportunity to create a mural for a community he cares so much about. David’s favorite part of the Asian District is its offerings; visitors can find Asian restaurants, services, and products all in one area. He hopes to convey the rich family tradition of Asian communities in his mural.

Lucretia Torva, born in Peoria, Ill., grew up in Scotland and France. She received her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois. Lucretia is well-traveled and loves the historical relevancy of art and culture. Having traveled to Asia, she is thrilled to share her love and respect for Asian culture. She hopes to create a mural that conveys the breadth of Asian culture: beauty, creativity, history, and vibrancy.

Kadhima Tung is a Chinese-Muslim American muralist, book illustrator, and freelance artist who specializes in watercolors. Born in 1993 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Kadhima immigrated to the U.S. in 1995. She grew up in North Phoenix and moved to Mesa in 2009.

In June 2022, Kadhima installed the first set of murals – the Whimsical Race of the Zodiac - along the 13 outside columns at Mekong Plaza, 66 S. Dobson Road. With 13 potential canvasses lining the shopping center, she found inspiration for her art in the Chinese Zodiac. The final column design pays homage to the retail space and the river of its namesake.

Kadhima created the murals - from the rat to the boar - with fun in mind and utilizing lots of reds, blues, and greens to symbolize happiness, advancement, harmony, and overall good fortune. Playful animals aim to bring visitors joy, encourage interactivity, and spark curiosity for the Asian culture.

Growing up, Kadhima visited Mesa’s Asian District often. She loves the area for the variety of Asian cuisine and having childhood Asian snacks at arm’s reach, an experience she’s able to share with friends.

Juyi Youk was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. After moving to Germany to study mathematics and physics, she relocated to the U.S. in 2000. She is excited City of Mesa put out a call for murals in the Asian District and feels hopeful to become a part of Mesa history. Her inspiration is driven by her life as a single mother to a special needs daughter. She hopes these murals will bring more attention to Asian culture and art.

Shela Yu is a passionate Chinese artist born and raised in Mesa. She is dedicated to creating murals that empower Asian Americans, especially Asian women, and youth. Shela has witnessed the birth and growth of the Asian District firsthand and believes it gives Asian Americans in Phoenix a sense of place. Shela wants her mural concept to showcase the unique East Asian heritage and diversity that is present in Mesa.