Exhibits at the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station will return in 2025 with OneHouse Arts' installation titled Galaxy Mosaic from January 13 - February 28. OneHouse Arts is as an art school in Monterey Park that is dedicated to helping children discover art on their own through inquiry and exploration. Learn more about their innovative approach to artistic practices and the aim they have for their work in the gas station in an interview held with their Director, Rachel Guan Rong.
Tell us more about OneHouse Arts! How and when did you decide to begin this experimental art school for children?
OneHouse Arts’ teaching philosophy is rooted in a desire to nurture authentic creativity and self-expression in children. The journey began from an observation I couldn’t ignore: too often children’s art is heavily shaped by adult intervention.
I wanted to create a space where children could express themselves without fear of making mistakes or needing to conform to adult-defined notions of “good art.” I believe that creativity grows best when kids can explore and express themselves freely, without worrying about making mistakes or meeting expectations. At OneHouse Arts, the focus isn’t on making perfect art but on enjoying the process, observing the world, and thinking in new ways. Students at OneHouse Arts are encouraged to develop their autonomy and genuine personal exploration in their art.
The school began unofficially several years ago through small, intimate workshops, and it has grown into a more defined community. Now, OneHouse Arts is transitioning into a non-profit, allowing it to better serve this mission and support a wider range of programs, from art shows to public events.
OneHouse Arts is known for its innovative approach to artistic practices. How do you define “experimentation” in the context of art, and why is it such an important aspect of your work?
For me, experimentation means giving children the freedom to think independently and try things their own way. It’s not about following step-by-step instructions or aiming for a perfect result; it’s about discovering what’s possible and finding joy in the process.
As a Chinese artist, I am particularly interested in challenging perfectionism within Asian American communities– where academic achievement is often prioritized over artistic pursuits. Art is sometimes seen as less valuable. It is considered a hobby rather than a serious or important field. At OneHouse Arts, we aim to challenge that perspective by treating children’s art with the same respect and recognition as adult art. Through public exhibitions and events, we show that children’s art is not only meaningful, but also worthy of being seen, celebrated, and valued.
By combining experimentation with this authentic recognition, we help children develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of ownership over their ideas. It also allows families and communities to see the value of art as a vital form of expression and thought, equal in importance to any academic subject.
What are your thoughts on how art and shared creative practices are aspects of research?
Through my work at OneHouse Arts, I approach children’s art as a form of inquiry. By giving them the freedom to explore materials and ideas on their own terms, I observe how children navigate questions about identity, relationships, and their environment. Their creative decisions, whether deliberate or instinctive, become data that reveals their unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
By focusing on the unfiltered and genuine expressions of children, this practice seeks to uncover the depth of their creativity, thought processes, and emotional landscapes. It is research rooted in observation, documentation, and reflection, treating children’s art not as a lesser form of creativity but as an equally valid and valuable contribution to the cultural and intellectual conversation.
In the context of shared creative practices, authentic children’s art serves as a collective investigation into the potential of imagination. Exhibiting their art alongside adult works in professional settings validates their voice and elevates the practice to one of serious cultural significance. This research challenges societal norms, particularly within Asian cultures where art is often undervalued compared to academic achievement. It argues for the intrinsic worth of creative expression as a tool for understanding the self and the world.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working with young artists, and how does it impact the community at large?
I love working with young artists. It is a joy to experience their boundless curiosity, fresh perspectives, and unfiltered creativity. Children often approach art with a sense of wonder and openness, which makes every project feel alive with possibility. Witnessing their growth— both as artists and as individuals — is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. It’s amazing to see how they develop confidence, learn to express their thoughts and feelings, and discover their unique voices through art.
For the Chinese and broader Asian community, this work carries special significance. By emphasizing the value of children’s authentic art, I aim to challenge this perception and show families that art is more than just a hobby — it’s a powerful form of communication, problem-solving, and cultural expression. Children’s art has the potential to preserve and reimagine cultural traditions while also allowing young artists to express their individuality within a collective heritage.
When the world was on lock-down during 2020, it profoundly changed the way children learn, highlighting the importance of art in their lives. As schools moved online, many children lost access to traditional learning environments and social connections. During this time, art became an essential outlet for self-expression and emotional processing. It provided a way for kids to cope with uncertainty, express their thoughts and feelings, and stay engaged creatively while stuck at home. Now, the role of art in education is recognized as vital — not just for its creative benefits but also for its ability to support mental health, build resilience, and foster connection.
When children’s artwork is shared with the community — especially within Chinese and Asian cultural contexts — it fosters pride and connection while also showing how art can be a bridge between tradition and innovation. This helps families and communities see the transformative power of creativity, ensuring that art remains a valued and vital part of education and life moving forward.
How does the context of the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station inform your work? What connections does the site make possible?
The Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station site offers a unique context and educational opportunity for my student’s art.
For kids, creating site-specific art in such a context is particularly beneficial. It allows them to engage directly with the environment around them, offering a hands-on experience that connects their creative process with the world they live in. By making art that responds to and interacts with a real-world space, children learn to think critically about how art can shape and be shaped by its surroundings. Site-specific projects help them understand that art isn’t just something that exists in galleries—it’s a living, breathing part of everyday life. This kind of creative practice encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and an appreciation for the transformative power of art in any space.
This site in particular provides a platform for themes around change, transition, and transformation, which mirror the processes I encourage in my work with young artists. Transforming a gas station into a public art site challenges traditional ideas about where art belongs and how it can engage with its environment. This setting allows art to connect and spark surprise and joy with people from different walks of life—whether they are commuters, locals, or visitors.
What do you think is the most important aspect to consider when placing art in public spaces?
The most important aspect to consider when placing art in public spaces is its ability to engage and resonate with the community. Public art should not only reflect the environment and its history but also connect with the people who encounter it. It’s crucial to consider how the artwork can create dialogue, provoke thought, and invite emotional or intellectual responses from a diverse audience. Art in public spaces has the power to influence the way people experience and interact with their surroundings, so it should be accessible, relevant, and meaningful to the community it serves.
It's also important to ensure that public art doesn’t feel like a distant, unapproachable object but rather something that people can interact with, reflect on, and feel a part of. This means involving the community in the process, whether through collaboration, participation, or simply by understanding the values and needs of the people who will experience the art. By doing so, we can create artwork that is not only visually compelling but also emotionally and culturally enriching for everyone who encounters it.