Rich Lo is a particularly special artist for Chicago’s Chinatown. A passionate advocate of the neighborhood and its place in American history, his work often reflects themes of cultural heritage and personal history, particularly influenced by his experiences growing up in Chicago’s Chinatown and his father’s background in Chinese opera. His Chinese Opera mural, one of the few murals in Chinatown by a Chinese American artist, graces the museum’s west wall.

Lo was born in Canton, China, where he, along with his six siblings, discovered a passion for drawing and painting. At age seven, he and his family emigrated from Hong Kong to the United States, finally settling in Chicago’s vibrant Chinatown. Lo’s artistic journey began in illustration, and balances his prolific commercial projects with fine art and public installations.