Sasha Chang

Art Reception:  Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 2-4pm

Sasha Yoonhee Chang is a Korean American artist based in Castro Valley who finds her home in the space between cultures.  Her love and appreciation for art was formed in her “gallery home” in Moscow, Russia, surrounded by the works of the esteemed Russian artist Pavel Benkov (1879-1949).  A core memory from her childhood finds Sasha as a special guest at a private art reception for Benkov’s work.  She performed a flute piece surrounded by a lifetime of his masterpieces and spoke to the crowd about the strange, beautiful magic of growing up with those very paintings on every wall—how they didn’t just decorate her childhood home, but expanded the walls of her own imagination and creativity.  Standing there as a teenager, she would have never guessed that she would one day be looking back at that very moment while hosting her own art reception, surrounded by her paintings here at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts.

Growing up as a Third Culture Kid, Sasha spent her childhood code-switching between Korean, Russian, English, and American cultures.  This experience taught her how to thrive in transition, a skill she utilized during her years as an international educator at various universities including UC Berkeley.  It was through the transformative journey of motherhood that Sasha rediscovered her deep-seated passion for art and storytelling.  Raising her Korean and Taiwanese American children refocused her attention on life’s quiet marvels—from the bright yellow curiosity of a banana slug to the towering, timeless presence of the redwoods. 

For Sasha, communication is a living color palette.  Beyond her three main languages, she has added Mandarin, Spanish, and Japanese to her repertoire, using each to better understand and illustrate the world around her.  Her work embodies kindness and a gentle invitation toward a more welcoming world—one where every individual is seen, valued, and celebrated.  This sense of discovery carries over into her life outside the studio, where she is often found scaling rock walls and boulders—always climbing higher to admire the vibrant patchwork of a world we weave together.

In her debut as a children’s book illustrator for Soren and Friends: Just Another Day, Sasha uses her playful illustration style to translate emotions into heart-centered stories, inviting readers of all ages to see the beauty in their own feelings and the awe of the world we share.

The Castro Valley Arts Foundation Series Program cover for 2026-2027 is an original gouache painting by Sasha Chang.  Inspired by Jogakbo (traditional Korean patchwork), this vibrant piece celebrates Sasha’s cultural heritage while playfully weaving in the musical and artistic influences of her childhood in Russia.This is the eleventh cover generously donated by a local artist to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts.

Follow her latest work and inspirations on Instagram: @sashkinart. For art purchases or commission inquiries, please contact: sashkinart@gmail.com