Biography

Born in New York City, Helen has always loved to draw and paint. She has had a focused art education from the age of 11, continuing on to the New York High School of Music & Art, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, and The California College of Arts and Crafts. The rich conglomeration of New York’s museums and galleries was a nurturing influence.

Helen’s works in prismacolor, watercolor, as well as calligraphy, having exhibited in New York City and the Bay Area. Calligraphy commissions have included Neiman Marcus Department Store, and The Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco.

Raised as the daughter of prominent New York Chinatown leader Bing Quon Chu, she found fulfillment as an English Language Development teacher, helping immigrant families like her own. Combining art skills with her background resulted in the creation of Chinese New Year celebrations in the United Kingdom and in Alameda, California. To view a sampling, google Helen’s Chinese New Year’s Parade on Utube.

In addition, writing pieces have been showcased with the Museum of the Chinese in America, and Oberlin College Public Radio.

Helen sometimes seeks to express a dual identity through her work, using Chinese motifs and themes.