A Subway Artist's Creative Sundays

Jackie Chang, a 60-year-old public artist and educator, has made significant contributions to the Metropolitan Avenue-Lorimer Street subway station in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Known for her vibrant mosaics, Chang first created these artworks in the late 1990s, aiming to make art accessible to the public rather than an elitist audience. Her work has been a staple of the station for over two decades, and she recently completed new pieces as part of a renovation project. Chang's artistic vision is rooted in community engagement and inclusivity. She recalls a humorous encounter with a passerby who remarked that the station resembled a museum, highlighting her desire for her work to resonate with everyday commuters. “I didn’t want my work to be seen primarily by a pretty elitist audience,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to making art for the people. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Chang balances her life as a community activist, educator, and homemaker. She spends her days designing in her studio, preparing Taiwanese breakfast, and practicing the violin. Her multifaceted lifestyle reflects her dedication to both her art and her personal passions. Chang resides in a two-bedroom apartment in Williamsburg with her husband, Joe Matunis, who is also an artist. Together, they contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of their neighborhood, with Chang’s mosaics serving as a lasting testament to her artistic legacy in the community.