Finding Connection Through Calligraphy at The Fishbowl: A Night of Community, Culture, and Compassion

This weekend, I had the honor of joining The Fishbowl’s “All Wrapped Up” opening reception and QTBIPOC creative market in Seattle — a gathering rooted in art, community, and collective care. It was one of those events that quietly rearranges something inside you. Something soft. Something hopeful.

As part of the show, guests were invited to unwrap an artwork by donating to one of three organizations doing meaningful, urgent work:

• Anera, supporting humanitarian relief for refugees in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon

• Real Rent Duwamish, acknowledging the Duwamish Tribe’s continued stewardship of the land where we live and create

• La Resistencia, a grassroots immigrant-led organization fighting for justice for people detained by ICE

This alignment of creativity and activism made the night feel like much more than a market — it was a reminder that art and community care can exist in the same breath.

Live Vietnamese calligraphy at the Fishbowl QTBIPOC market.

Bringing Vietnamese Calligraphy Beyond Tết

Every time I bring Vietnamese calligraphy into spaces outside of its familiar home — outside of Tết celebrations, outside of Vietnamese gatherings — I feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Will the audience understand it?
Will they connect with it?
Will it fit here?

But this night at The Fishbowl reminded me, once again, why this art form deserves to be shared all year long.

I always offer guests the option to have their word written in English or Vietnamese. And to my complete surprise and overwhelming joy… every single person chose Vietnamese.

Watching people of all backgrounds embrace the Vietnamese language so lovingly made my heart swell. It felt like everyone was choosing connection over convenience — choosing intention over familiarity.

The Power of Words, No Matter Who Stands in Front of Me

One of my favorite parts of these markets is watching people interact with my calligraphy affirmation deck. I love seeing who they choose a message for, and what meaning they’re hoping to send out into the world.

All night, I kept hearing things like:

“Oh, she needs this reminder so much right now.”
“This is exactly what my brother has been going through.”
“This word is perfect for my mom.”

In those little moments, I’m reminded that words carry their own energy — offering hope, comfort, or a sense of grounding to whoever needs it most. That’s the magic of Vietnamese calligraphy: no matter who stands in front of me, it finds a way to speak to them.

Bringing Vietnamese calligraphy beyond Tết and into community spaces across Seattle. So grateful to share this art with new audiences.

A Market Rooted in Care and Community

The Fishbowl’s QTBIPOC market wasn’t just a place to shop; it was a celebration of community, identity, and shared humanity. As artists, we were invited not only to present our work, but also to contribute to causes that uplift people facing displacement, erasure, or injustice.

I deeply appreciate events like this — spaces that challenge me to grow, root deeper into my cultural identity, and share my craft with new audiences in meaningful ways.

Watching people choose a Vietnamese calligraphy affirmation for someone they love will never get old. Words always find the right person. 💛

Where You Can Find Me Next

If you’d like to experience live Vietnamese calligraphy in person, my next pop-up will be at Hello Em Coffee & Roastery next Saturday.

My next Vietnamese calligraphy pop up is Saturday, December 13th at Little Saigon Creative | Hello Em Coffee from 10 AM - 2 PM

Closing Reflections

I left The Fishbowl feeling grateful — not just for the opportunity to share my work, but for all the small, quiet moments of connection. Moments where strangers became friends, where a single word bridged cultures, and where community gathered around causes larger than ourselves.

Nights like this remind me why I do this.
Why I keep showing up.
Why I keep sharing Vietnamese calligraphy wherever I go.

Because art has power.
Words have power.
And community — especially one as tender, diverse, and vibrant as Seattle’s — holds it all together.