Artist Spotlight: Fei Wu and Xiang Li

“One Family, One World” by Xiang Li and Fei Wu, 2025. Located at Hadwen Park.

In Hadwen Park, a new mural catches the eye. A panda, painted in soft colors, stretches toward clear blue water. Surrounding it are bamboo, flowers, and a rainbow of color. The mural is called “One Family, One World,” and it is the work of mother-daughter artists Xiang Li and Fei Wu.

Xiang Li started painting as a child in Beijing. She went on to spend nearly forty years restoring ancient artwork in the Forbidden City. “Art allowed me to express emotions and stories that words couldn’t capture,” she says. Her daughter, Fei Wu, grew up around art. Though she began her career in media and storytelling, she returned to visual art to reconnect with her roots and collaborate with her mother. “Our work together feels like both a creative practice and a form of service to the community.”

The mural features a joyful panda, a symbol that carries deep meaning. “We were inspired by the playfulness and vulnerability of pandas. They are beloved around the world and symbolize peace, harmony, and endangered beauty,” says Fei.

Their style is described as timeless, playful, and cultural. Traditional Chinese motifs such as dragons, flowers, and empresses often appear in their work. They also choose vivid colors that have historical significance and resonate with viewers of all ages.

The placement of the mural next to a storm drain was no accident. “It’s a gentle way to say that what we put on our streets eventually flows into real habitats. Every piece of trash or pollution affects living creatures,” Fei explains. “Even small actions like picking up litter or appreciating nature make a difference.”

For both artists, giving back to the community through public art is deeply meaningful. “Public art brings life and pride to everyday spaces. It shows that everyone’s stories matter, and that beauty should be accessible to all, not just in museums,” says Xiang.

They also see their mural as a teaching tool. “Artists are storytellers and bridge builders,” Fei says. “We can take complex topics like climate change or cultural identity and turn them into something people can connect with. That is often where change begins.”

“One Family, One World” was created in collaboration with Worcester Green Corps, Sharinna Travieso, and the Worcester DPW. It was supported by the Mass Cultural Council, the New England Grassroots Fund, and the FY25 State Earmark, allocated by Senator Mike Moore..

Whether you view it in person or online, this mural invites reflection. It offers a simple but powerful reminder that we all share one world and one responsibility.

You can follow Xiang Li’s work on: