We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trami Cron. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trami below.

Trami, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In 2016, I was hired by the San Jose Museum of Art to serve as a liaison between the Vietnamese community in San Jose and the museum, with the aim of bringing art into the community. During my time there, I was introduced to the art industry for the first time and quickly noticed that the Asian community was underrepresented in San Jose’s arts scene. This gap was particularly striking given that the Asian population makes up about 27.9% of the Bay Area, making it the second-largest racial group in the region.

Wanting to share and celebrate the arts of my own community, as well as those of the broader Southeast Asian community, I founded Chopsticks Alley Art at the end of 2017. We launched our first exhibition in September 2018 at Art Object Gallery in Japantown.

Trami, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! My name is Trami Cron, and I’m the founder of Chopsticks Alley Art, an organization dedicated to amplifying Southeast Asian voices and narratives through art. My journey into the arts began unexpectedly when I joined the San Jose Museum of Art in 2016 as a liaison for the Vietnamese community. For the first time, I gained insight into the art industry and quickly realized there was a significant gap: the Asian community was not fully represented within San Jose’s vibrant arts scene. Seeing an opportunity to share and celebrate Asian heritage, I founded Chopsticks Alley Art in late 2017 to bridge this gap and give our stories a home.

At Chopsticks Alley Art, we curate exhibitions, offer educational programs, and create cultural events that highlight contemporary and traditional works by Southeast Asian artists. Our exhibits, such as Mythological Icons and Legends, Flora and Fauna, and the Under One Moon Video Immersive Exhibition, are examples of our commitment to celebrating the stories, symbols, and experiences that resonate within our communities. Beyond exhibitions, we aim to connect artists with new audiences, providing them a platform to grow while deepening public appreciation for Southeast Asian arts and culture.

What sets us apart is our dedication to fostering authentic connections between art and community. Every exhibit and program we develop is built on collaboration with local artists, cultural leaders, and community members. By focusing on Southeast Asian voices, we bring unique stories and perspectives to light, enriching the cultural fabric of our region.

One of my proudest achievements was to be featured in media like KRON4, Content Magazine, and KQED as it underscores our role as a cultural bridge in the community.

I want our audiences and followers to know that Chopsticks Alley Art is not just an arts organization; we’re a movement to ensure that Southeast Asian voices are seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether you’re an artist, art lover, or community member, there’s a place for you at Chopsticks Alley Art. Thank you for your interest in our work, and I hope our journey continues to inspire and connect us all.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To truly support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to recognize and honor the value artists bring. This means ensuring fair wages and eliminating the expectation that artists work for “exposure” or minimal pay. Artists contribute in ways that are often intangible yet deeply impactful, nurturing our communities, culture, and mental well-being. When artists are paid fairly, they can continue to create and inspire, which ultimately benefits society as a whole.

For this ecosystem to flourish, artists themselves need to view their work as vital and valuable, advocating for compensation that reflects their contributions. Funders and policymakers play a significant role here, too; it’s essential that they don’t overlook the arts sector in difficult times, treating it as expendable. The COVID-19 pandemic was a vivid reminder of the importance of art in helping us cope and heal, as it provided comfort, a means for self-expression, and a sense of connection during periods of isolation.

In addition, sustainable funding and resources need to be prioritized in policy discussions to support arts organizations, ensuring they can offer equitable opportunities for artists to thrive. Just as we invest in essential services, investing in the arts uplifts society, fostering empathy, creativity, and resilience in ways no other sector can.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most important aspect of being a creative or working in the arts is staying true to a personal vision while fostering a deep connection with the world around us. Creativity thrives on authenticity, which allows artists to explore ideas, emotions, and experiences that resonate universally yet carry unique perspectives. This authenticity draws others in, sparking dialogue, inspiring change, and offering new ways of seeing the world.

Equally important is resilience. Working in the arts often comes with challenges, from financial instability to navigating public perception, but resilience helps artists push boundaries, adapt, and continue creating. This ability to persevere allows creatives to take risks, experiment, and evolve over time, which is essential for growth and innovation.

The arts are inherently about connection—connecting with oneself, with others, and with the greater human experience. When creatives and artists can embody these principles, they contribute to a culture that values empathy, reflection, and imagination. In this way, the most important aspect of being in the arts is the profound and enduring impact one can have by sharing one’s truth with the world.

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Image Credits

Caption: “Mẹ Earth” Exhibition with Artist Tuan Tran and Models – 2023
Caption: Trami Cron