about   contact

  

hi there!


I’m Sally Chen, a queer, nonbinary, 2nd-generation Chinese American illustrator, muralist, and poet born & based in NYC. I graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2022 with a BFA in Illustration. 

My work explores the quiet intimacies that occur in daily life. I utilize free-flowing lines, vibrant colors, glowing silhouettes, bits of verse, and portraiture to capture the many fleeting moments of joy and sorrow that keep us yearning for another day, and consequently, a brighter future. 

I’m drawn to heartwarming stories about heritage, home, family, friends, and social justice. I’m also a huge fan of folktales, stories rooted in history or science, and LOVE fantasy (I play D&D weekly)!

Currently accepting work. Let’s talk!

For publishing inquiries, email my literary agent, Andrea Colvin: andrea@andreacolvincreative.com

salpalc@gmail.com

     

 shop salpal’s world
picture courtesy of Argenis Apolinario Photography


Exhibitions


2021 - Re: Model, LCC Theatre, Online
2021 - Printmaking and Book Arts Showcase, Parsons School of Design, Online
2022 - BFA Illustration Senior Showcase, Parsons School of Design, NY
2022 - The Fool Volk Showcase, La Mama Galleria, NY
2023 - Asian Americana: Comfort, The Brick Aux Gallery, NY
2023 - Send Me Across the Sea Vol. 04, Helvella Art Gallery, CA
2024 - Art Rink: We Celebrate!, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, NY
2024 - Pride: All Day, Every Day, Arts Gowanus , NY
2024 - The World’s Borough, Flushing Town Hall, NY
2024 - Windchime Collective: Home, My Gallery NYC, NY
2024 - Piano Reveal @ Kensington Plaza, Sing for Hope, NY
2025 - Trans+ History Week, Brixton Tate Library, London, UK
2025 - Windchime Collective: Showcase, Houghton Hall, NY
2025 - Piano Reveal @ Union Square Park, Sing for Hope, NY
2025 - The Truth As I See It, Flushing Town Hall, NY
2025 - Rooted in Pride, Arts Gowanus, NY
2025 - NYC It Girl Art Walk, NYC It Girl Art Collective, NY 2025 - Comics in the City: Sequential Art Is..., Flushing Town Hall, NY
2025 - Home Is Where The Heart Lives, T-okki Studios, NY
2026 - Yas Queen!, LIC-A, NY
2026 - Piano Reveal @ Prospect Park, Sing for Hope, NY
2026 - TNUA: Trans Guanyin 《跨•觀音》, Treasure Hill Artist Village, Taipei City, Taiwan
2026 - Pride in Community, Arts Gowanus, NY

Fellowships / Grants / Awards


2023 - Honorable Mention, 3x3 International Illustration Show #20: Student Show
2026 -  Create Change Fellow, The Laundromat Project
2026 -  Queens Art Fund Recipient,  New York Foundation of the Arts
2026 -  Creative Resident,  Astoria Bookshop

Press


2020 - Sticky Locals, Interview
2023 - From the Intercom, Interview
2025 - It’s In Queens!, Feature
2026 - SCBWI: Featured Illustrator, Spotlight
2026 - QNS: Things To Do, Feature

Publications


Select Clients


Little Bee Books,  NYC DOT Art, National Public Radio (NPR), Union Square Partnership, The Marshall Project, Sing For Hope, GLAAD, One Mind, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Flushing Town Hall, Arts Gowanus

© Sally Chen 2025 | salpalc@gmail.com