PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and to celebrate, one South Philly jewelry store is hosting the work of artists of all specialties and backgrounds to promote their talent and support the campaign to “Stop AAPI Hate.”
“And the idea was sort of, create a space where we had different artists and makers,” said Ruben Luna, who has run Workshop Underground on South Street since 2015.
“Our specialty was actually jewelry. We do a lot of custom-made jewelry.”
But on Friday it wasn’t just about the jewelry. There were ceramics, flowers, tea and more created by AAPI artists from Philly and beyond to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
“Really, we just wanted to showcase a different perspective of makers to our community.”
Anya Laudenslager was at a launch party on Friday showing off the tea.
“I’ve found that it’s really interesting, because it’s meditative, it’s informative, it’s health-driven, as well as community-bonding — because who doesn’t want to sit down and relax to a warm cup of something?”
Two of the featured artists were East Oak Lane florists Takehida and Kae Tanaka, founders of Hana Floral design. They started the business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kae brought the bouquets as a former event florist and Takehida brought the desire to uplift others as a former social worker.
“We kind of blended her talent and my passion of doing, helping, work together,” Kae said.
“I think that helps merge people together, help us understand each other. All the things that we do every day, enjoy doing every day, whether we’re making pottery or making flowers or making jewelry. You know, we enjoy doing it and let’s share that enjoyment together and get to know each other.”
In the same way they said their flowers connect people, they hope events like the one at Workshop can do the same for the AAPI community.
“Representation is always key. There’s always — not a lack of representation, but a lack of awareness that these communities exist, that they’re here, and that they’re thriving, honestly,” Laudenslager says.
“It’s always good to have events like this because it kind of bridges the gap of ignorance, which is key to how hate can start.
“As soon as we start to represent each other… bring awareness of our differences and how beautiful those differences are, the stronger we can be in helping to communicate and educate each other on our different worlds.”
A portion of sales this month at the shop will also go toward the Stop AAPI Hate Campaign.