January 2017 – NYC VIBE reports on this cherished lower Manhattan mainstay since the 1890s; Wing On Wo on Mott Street. A purveyor of exotic porcelains and oriental gifts – Wing on Wo is helmed by Mei Lum, 26 the youngest of the family’s five grandchildren.
Fascinated with Chinese history and sensing the importance of Wing on Wo to the New York City community – Mei decided that she wanted to assume control of the family business as she had a bigger plan. Mei is taking time from her graduate studies at Columbia University to mold this venue into an educational community space amid the backdrop of Chinatown’s rich history – hosting panels and exhibitions, among other events.
Mei also has a new vision for Wing on Wo – she is working to mold this venue into an educational community space amid the backdrop of Chinatown’s rich history with the Wing on Wo Project. The Wing on Wo Project is supported by China Residencies, a non-profit that is passionate about creating opportunities for artists to bring a broader cultural understanding in their work and communities. They will award one artist with a $500 grant and a two-month residency to create a new, exciting and festive Lunar New Year window display for the year of the rooster. The artist’s work will be on view in the windows at 26 Mott Street. This residency will provide access to the basement studio space equipped with silkscreen facilities, as well as project support from China Residencies and The Wing on Wo Project. The artists will be invited to give a presentation about their work, and there will be an opening reception party for the window unveiling.
Clearly, Wing on Wo has NYC VIBE!