91原创 artist Sichen Grace Chen is displaying her artwork at the Arts Alive Festival for the first time next weekend, a goal she鈥檚 had since she was a teenager.

For its 28th year, Arts Alive is featuring many 91原创 artists. The annual art festival draws thousands to 91原创 City, and art lovers and enthusiasts alike.

Chen frequently searches for art events in and around 91原创, and applied immediately when she saw the Arts Alive festival.

鈥淚 was excited to participate,鈥� she said.

The Willoughby artist began taking art lessons when she was young, and pursued art after secondary school when she learned it was a career option.

鈥淲hen I was young, art helped me express myself and it became another language for me to communicate my innermost thoughts and emotions,鈥� Chen explained. 鈥淐reating art feels as natural to me as breathing.鈥�

Much of Chen鈥檚 work explores the complex relationship between seemingly disparate ideas, objects, and identities to create space for new perspectives and connections.

鈥淢y work involves ideas of bringing magic into the mundane and making the most of what you have, whether that be through adding a bit of surrealism into regular objects or slowing down time and creating artworks that feature an 鈥榠mpossible鈥� moment in time and space,鈥� she said.

Chen said her goal is to inspire others, nurture creativity, and raise awareness of the importance of having art programs and activities in the community.

She added that she is looking forward to meeting the other artists and talent at the festival.

鈥淚 love meeting people from all walks of life, and those who have an appreciation for the arts,鈥� she said.

The festival takes place in downtown 91原创, along the one-way section of Fraser Highway, in McBurney Plaza, and down a few of the side streets on Saturday, Aug. 19.

Children鈥檚 entertainment includes magic, comedy, juggling, and Bhangra dancers throughout the day. At the main stage, entertainment for the older crowd includes Filipino-Canadian singer Dani Camacho, Krystle Dos Santos band, country singer Jackson Hollow, and folk-rock band Ryan McAllister.

Activities start at 10 a.m. and go until 5 p.m.

There will be a food truck court and some local restaurants are participating in the festival.

For details, people can visit .

READ MORE: Arts Alive festival returns to 91原创 for its 28th year

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