Meet Lin Fei Fei: The Artist Finding Beauty in the In-Between
June 9th, 2026
Rooted in a childhood fascination with the elegance of high-fashion couture, Lin Fei Fei is a Sacramento-based fine art painter and gallery owner whose work bridges two worlds. Raised in a rural village in China, she discovered her calling early, spending hours sketching fashion illustrations and figurative artwork.
After completing her MFA and relocating to the United States, she channeled her cross-cultural life experience into a distinctive artistic voice, one that marries the spatial logic and tonal depth of Western classical oil painting with the fluid lines, freehand expressiveness, and intentional empty space of Eastern Chinese calligraphy. That guiding philosophy of “in-between” — the Eastern concept of “间”, the creative potential found in blank space and transition — inspired the name of her studio and gallery, In Between Arts, where she not only exhibits her own work and that of artists from across the globe, but also nurtures the next generation of creators through arts education.
For Lin Fei Fei, art is more than a career; it’s a universal language capable of connecting people across cultures, and Sacramento has become the perfect city to speak it.
Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to pursue art as a passion or career?
My passion for art took root when I was around five or six years old. Raised in a quiet rural village in China with limited access to outside resources and information, I was captivated by high-fashion runway shows I first saw on television. The elegance of couture instantly struck me as a sublime art form, inspiring me to spend endless hours sketching fashion illustrations and figurative artwork day after day. I told my parents early on that devoting my entire life to being an artist was my lifelong calling.
Starting from my undergraduate years, I took part in international academic exchanges and global art exhibitions. Throughout my bachelor’s and master’s studies, I collaborated with established galleries and fine art museums, achieving notable professional success early in my creative journey.
After completing my MFA, I relocated to the United States to further develop my artistic career. My enduring creative passion stems from an innate love for art and a sense of destined pursuit. I am endlessly thankful to have turned my childhood aspiration into a sustainable professional career. Beyond my personal creation and gallery operations, I am also deeply engaged in arts education. Having evolved from an art student into an art educator, nothing fuels my motivation more than guiding emerging creators and inspiring artistic inspiration in my students.
How would you describe your artistic style and what sets your work apart from other artists?
My academic background is rooted in fine art, with a concentration in classical oil painting. Growing up in China and later studying art theory while living in Western countries has shaped my unique cross-cultural perspective. My works embrace the spatial logic and black-and-grey tonal palette derived from Western art history and visual aesthetics. Meanwhile, they integrate the essences of Eastern art: the blank space, fluid lines and freehand expressiveness characteristic of Chinese calligraphy.
Thanks to this dual cultural background, I view creative subjects from diverse perspectives. Living in California, a place enriched with cultures and art from all over the world, has put me in an ideal creative state. I aspire to develop a universal visual language that connects with all audiences. This has been a challenging journey, yet I have gradually forged my own distinctive style. My paintings feature expressive, freehand oil brushwork that seamlessly combines Eastern and Western artistic traits, making my creations truly one-of-a-kind.
How did you first get involved with Second Saturday, and what does it mean to you as a local artist?
On September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11. We officially opened a 12,000-squarefoot warehouse art complex named A Space In Between. This venue operated as a street art museum and fine art gallery, and our landmark opening exhibition was co-hosted alongside world-renowned documentary photographer Martha Cooper and the iconic New York graffiti collective Tats Crew. After years of operation and continuous refinement of the space and educational art programs, the original large-scale warehouse project evolved and rebranded into my current compact professional art studio and gallery: In Between Arts, located in Midtown Sacramento.
The names A Space In Between and In Between Arts draw inspiration from the Eastern philosophical concept “间” it’s the emptiness and the transitional “in-between” space. As an artist, our minds are constantly filled with endless creative ideas and thoughts, yet intentional blank space is always essential. This sense of emptiness holds unlimited creative possibilities, and it has become the core philosophy guiding all my artistic practice. My cross-cultural living experience across multiple countries has long been my greatest source of motivation. Art allows me to reconcile different cultures, emotions and life experiences, and translate inner thoughts into tangible artworks — works that naturally resonate with Sacramento’s diverse cultural landscape.
How has living or working in Sacramento influenced your artistic style?
I moved to Sacramento years ago with little knowledge of the city. Back then, I was a complete newcomer here. I quickly found the local art community warm and welcoming, which gave me the freedom to experiment with a wide range of artistic styles after graduation.
Sacramento’s rich cultural diversity never fails to inspire me. California’s stunning varied landscapes and abundant sunshine have left a profound impact on both my life and art. Much like the diverse people and plant life around me, the ever-changing scenery has taught me to view the world with greater openness and inclusiveness — a mindset that also shapes my creative work.
From being a stranger, I have gradually settled down and become part of the local community. I have made many dear friends and earned recognition from museums, galleries and within local communities. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful experiences this city has brought me.
What are some of your aspirations or goals as an artist, both in terms of your personal growth and the impact you hope to make through your art?
As an artist, I dream of seeing my works showcased in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide. Human life is transient, but art has the power to transcend time and distance. My greatest wish is for my pieces to resonate with audiences on a fundamental human level. I still remember vividly the overwhelming emotions I felt as a child visiting art museums, as well as the sense of awe I experienced exploring galleries across Europe.
Those artworks spoke a universal language. No matter where an artist was born, what language they spoke or what kind of life they led, their creations could touch my heart deeply. This is the power I hope my work will possess too — to connect people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I hope anyone who encounters my art will feel understood and accompanied and sense the beauty and shared humanity that bind us all. Though it may sound idealistic, I truly believe art can spread warmth and make the world a better place.
How does participating in events like Midtown Second Saturday allow you to connect with your audience or community?
My team and I actively engage with visitors during Second Saturday events. Since our regular gallery hours are flexible, this special event always draws far larger crowds to experience our art. I curate my space with great care to present my core artistic vision. Alongside local talents, I also showcase works by artists from across the nation and around the globe.
Even though my current venue is smaller than my previous space, every artwork and every corner here is thoughtfully arranged. These gatherings let me connect with my collectors, friends, art students and all kinds of visitors. Some come to admire art, some to learn, and others to seek peace and comfort. It is always delightful to catch up with old friends and meet new people each time. To me, Second Saturday is a wonderful opportunity: it brings everyone together, facilitates emotional exchange, and builds genuine connections through art.
Lin Fei Fei’s mural, “Conversation,” serves as a stop on the new Midtown Mural Trail, a self-guided audio tour that visitors can explore at any time. The new digital trail launches alongside the season’s second Midtown Second Saturday on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Live Midtown sponsors — 1801L, The Mansion Apartments, Eleanor H16 Apartments, MOD at Midtown, Lavender Courtyard, Studio30, and 19J — bring you this Midtown Second Saturday Artist Feature.
Explore Midtown living options and start your journey to finding your perfect home in vibrant Midtown here.