Boxes of Tangerines
Christy Hyonsuk (현숙)
Summers 1990s, Jeju Island. Christy Hyonsuk visited her grandparents on Jeju Island — the volcanic paradise known as the “Hawaii of Korea.” Those sunny days filled her world with the scent of delicious tangerines, the sparkle of the ocean, and the laughter of family. Surrounded by her mother, grandmother, and aunts, Christy Hyonsuk saw the strength and warmth of Jeju women working together with joy and care.
When summer ended, Christy Hyonsuk returned to the North Korean border. Her Jeju grandmother would send boxes of fresh Jeju tangerines. Each tangerine was a hand picked with sweet glowing “I love you” and reminder of island life. After her grandmother’s passing in 2020, Christy Hyonsuk longed for those simple gifts of love. Boxes of Tangerines collection is inspired by the many boxes Yi Gisul (이기술) sent.
Boxes of Tangerines
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Boxes of Tangerines 🍊
“My Grandmother sent boxes of the very best hand pick tangerines from the Jeju island. Each tangerine was another sweet ‘I love you’ in citrus form.”
Boxes of Tangerines Collection is painted on textured handmade deckle edge paper made from 100% Egyptian cotton placed in a glass floating frame.
Paper Size: 11 x 8 inches
Frame Size: 11.61 × 14.56 inch
2025 RISE ABOVE VIOLENCE
October 2025 - Christy Hyonsuk
I recently had the honor of attending Womankind’s 2025 Communities Rising Gala, a celebration of its 30th anniversary. Held at Tribeca 360 NYC in lower Manhattan, the event raised $466,000 from gathering hundreds of supporters, advocates, and community leaders that are dedicated to creating safety, healing, and hope for survivors of gender-based violence.
Womankind has spent 30 years providing culturally responsive, multilingual, trauma-informed services for communities across New York City. Hearing the stories shared onstage, reminded me how essential and life-changing WomanKind’s work truly is.
This gala was also a personal milestone for me: it was the first time one of my paintings was included in a live auction package with tickets to see the Broadway show, ‘Maybe Happy Ending” and New York Public Theater’s upcoming 2026 productions of ‘Jesa’, which both has scenes of Jeju Island - my mother’s homeland.
Donating my artwork to support Womankind’s mission felt meaningful. Art has always been my way of expressing emotion and connection, and knowing that my piece helped raise funds for children and families in need filled me with gratitude.
I left the event inspired, humbled, and proud to stand with Womankind — an organization committed to protecting, empowering, and honoring the diverse communities of New York City.
Thank you WomanKind for providing a wonderful event and continue services.
Read more Womankind’s 2025 Gala Marks 30 Years of Serving NYC’s Children and Youth.
Photos by Lucas Huang. IG @lucashuang_photography
2026 Gramma has dementia
Gramma has Dementia is a 501(3)c in New Jersey.
This organization’s mission is to educate and bring awareness to Dementia and Alzheimer's.
This year Gramma has Dementia is raising money for Dementia and Alzheimer's research, Women's Alzheimer's Movement, Cleveland Clinic.
Fundraiser 2026
Date: August 29th, 2026
Time: 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: The Captain's Inn, 304 E. Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ
Join us or donate a ticket to a caregiver.
Visit GrammaHasDementia.com
Live Auction, box of tangerines
Gramma has Dementia, New Jersey
Buy a ticket for to auction and a chance to take home an original painting from my collection, boxes of tangerines. All proceeds from the auction will be donated will be sent to the Women’s Alzheimer's Movement (WAM).
Fundraiser 2026
Date: August 29th, 2026
Time: 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: The Captain's Inn, 304 E. Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ https://www.captainsinnnj.com/
Get your ticket at https://www.grammahasdementia.com/events/gramma-has-dementia-2nd-annual-fundraiser-for-dementia-alzheimers-research
Women make up two-thirds of those living with Alzheimer’s disease. WAM at Cleveland Clinic will continue to fund women-based Alzheimer’s research and educate people about brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention.
Learn more about Women’s Alzheimer's Movement at https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/
Boxes of Tangerines in Forked River, New Jersey
Your Ticket Includes:
• A hardcover copy of Gramma Has Dementia
• Live music
• A Delicious Buffet and a Drink
• Networking Opportunities
Your support matters! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Alzheimer Movement (WAM), an organization committed to Alzheimer’s research focused on women.
Contact
Thank you for the support
Donate to support my artwork. Thank you.
Loving Memories
Boxes of Tangerines Collection Picture Book
Inspired by the many boxes of tangerines from Jeju Grandma
Spread the words of kindness. A warm, little board book that invites you into a bright, sweet citrus-scented world of positivity. Soft watercolor illustrations of tangerines and leaves float across thick, matte pages made to withstand even the very curious toddlers. Gentle rounded corners and durable chipboard pages make turning each spread easy and safe, while the compact square shape fits into car seats, diaper bags, and cozy laps. Use it to remember the strength of love and joy. Boxes of Tangerines collection by Christy Hyonsuk is homey, handmade feeling that brings a calm, sunlit moment to everyday routines and quiet story sessions.
Product features - Ultra-durable 1/16” white chipboard pages built to last
- Matte lamination reduces glare and resists fingerprints
- Rounded corners for safe handling by toddlers
- Compact 20-page format for short attention spans
