The Project

Fête pour les yeux, or Feast for the Eyes, is a celebration of beauty, presence, and wonder. Spanning seven years, five continents, and hundreds of locations, this collection captures the magic of restaurants, cafes, hotels, and bars around the world. Guided by a personal philosophy called the vocabulary of magic—the practice of noticing what inspires awe or sparks delight and filling life with more of that—each drawing is created live and on-location, honoring the unique spirit of a place.

Rooted in mindfulness, the drawings are a practice of gratitude and grounding, inspired by the careful curation and creation of each place and its offerings.  Fête pour les yeux invites a deeper connection to the world through the joy of observation. It is about seeing beauty, sharing it, and inspiring others to slow down, look closely, and find the extraordinary in the ordinary. This ongoing journey is a celebration of wonder and an invitation to discover the beauty of being fully present.

About The Artist

Xiaohoa Michelle Ching is an artist, writer, and scholar whose life and work are guided by a deep commitment to beauty, wonder, and connection. Her journey has been one of intentional presence, curiosity, and compassion, shaped by a personal philosophy she calls the vocabulary of magic—the practice of noticing and naming moments that inspire awe or spark joy. This philosophy is woven into every aspect of her life, informing her art, her writing, and her movement through the world.

Xiaohoa’s holds a doctorate from Harvard University, where she researched scaling love—the idea of amplifying curiosity and compassion in our world, and a BFA in Painting from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  She has been recognized by Forbes' 30 Under 30 for her innovative contributions to education and was described by the magazine as someone “set to influence the next century.”

Xiaohoa lives a slow-nomad life, settling into cities for months at a time to build community everywhere she goes.