ARTIST

Helen Jungsun Kang is an environmentalist who has devoted her law career to protecting the health of communities in areas with the worst pollution and fewer environmental amenities. In addition to reducing pollution to protect public health, her advocacy has led to protecting the San Francisco Bay’s dwindling wetlands, including at a national wildlife refuge. Her art practice in watercolor and oil media enables Helen to be immersed in nature, experiencing its restorative strength. Painting the areas proximate to the activists with whom she has collaborated in the past revives her optimism in the resilience of people and places. She is part of East Bay Painters, an informal group of plein air landscape artists. She was selected to participate in a week-long juried Bay Area paint-out in 2023 (Frank Bette Center for the Arts). In 2024, she organized a highly successful show featuring over 45 artists to benefit pro-democracy groups. In recognition of disasters made worse by climate change, she is donating a large part of her art sales this year to groups working with Los Angeles fire relief and pro-democracy efforts.​​

Her artwork can be seen at The Grand Gallery Oakland, Jack London Square, 560 2nd Street, Oakland.