ORLANDO, Fla. – This May, as we honor Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, Disney Springs Art Walk proudly welcomes Brett Tachi, an Orlando native and talented artist, whose vibrant mural captures the essence of her Japanese heritage.
The Disney Springs Art Walk is a dynamic space where local and international artists come together to showcase their unique styles, infusing the area with color, emotion and cultural spirit.
Tachi’s journey to this moment began when Disney reached out to her a few months ago, inviting her to participate in the art walk activation.
“I was so excited to be approached by them,” she shared.
With May being AANHPI month, Tachi felt inspired to create a mural that not only reflects her artistic vision but also pays homage to her family’s history.
Titled “Memento,” Tachi’s mural is a heartfelt tribute to her grandparents and great-grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Japan in the early 1900s. The focal point of the piece is a persimmon tree, a symbol deeply rooted in her family’s traditions.
“My great-grandparents started a plant nursery in Santa Monica, California, back in the 1900s,” Brett explained. “The persimmon tree represents their livelihood and resilience.”
The mural’s design features the tree growing out of rocks, symbolizing the challenges her family faced.
“They were here during World War II and had to leave everything behind when they were sent to an internment camp,” she said. “They didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate their culture like I am right now.”
For Tachi, painting this mural is not just an artistic endeavor; it’s a powerful act of cultural celebration and remembrance.
“The fact that I’m contributing to this project and openly celebrating my culture is extremely meaningful,” she expressed.
Visitors to Disney Springs Art Walk can experience Tachi’s mural up close, immersing themselves in the rich narrative woven into her artwork. As you stroll through the art walk, take a moment to appreciate the stories behind each mural, including Tachi’s, which stands as a testament to resilience, heritage and the vibrant spirit of the AANHPI community.
Come see her mural, “Memento,” and witness the beauty of cultural expression through art.