May 12, 2026. SAN FRANCISCO – As AAPI Heritage Month draws to a close, the local art community is celebrating a series of high-profile milestones for BOJAGI, the San Francisco-based studio reimagining traditional Korean textile art. From the halls of government to Michelin-starred dining rooms and premier art galleries, the ancient craft of bojagi is finding a new, global resonance.
A Diplomatic Bridge: From City Hall to Seoul
In a significant moment for the city’s cultural diplomacy, Mayor Daniel Lurie partnered with BOJAGI founder Judy Kim for his inaugural international mission to Seoul. Kim was commissioned to create custom bojagi gift wrapping for official offerings presented to the Mayor of Seoul.
The collaboration served as a symbolic bridge, blending traditional Korean hospitality with San Francisco’s modern creative energy. "This was a milestone for BOJAGI to be part of the global stage," Kim stated, noting that the project highlighted how Korean art is being successfully reimagined within the Bay Area’s inclusive artistic landscape.
Artistic Synergy at HUGOMENTO
The intersection of clay and cloth took center stage this month at HUGOMENTO gallery. The exhibition marked the first San Francisco solo show for South Korean Master ceramic artist Kwak Kyung Tae.
To complement the zen-like quality of Kwak’s ceramics, Kim debuted her first gallery installation—a bespoke window piece designed to enhance the gallery’s soothing ambiance. The exhibit remains open to the public through May 16th.
In a move toward functional fine art, Kim has announced that the featured window piece is available for purchase and includes a complimentary tailoring service, allowing collectors to fit the art precisely to their own architectural spaces. The studio is reportedly in active discussions with several private clients for additional bespoke commissions.
Community Impact and Sustainability
The month’s festivities also included a large-scale community activation at the Michelin-starred restaurant Nisei. BOJAGI joined the Bakers and Makers event, which drew over 400 attendees in support of Asian American makers. The gathering raised significant funds for Bay Resistance, an organization supporting AAPI causes.
A Seasonal Shift
Despite the flurry of events, the studio continues its focus on sustainable craft. Kim reported that the latest spring collection—centered on the concepts of BAEK (white) and CHEONG (blue)—has nearly sold out.
"Everything is made in limited batches, and some styles may not return," Kim warned, noting a surge in demand as the city enters peak season for graduations and weddings.
As May concludes, the story of BOJAGI remains one of movement: weaving Korean craft beyond geographic borders and inviting a broader audience to engage with the values of mindfulness and artistic sustainability.