He refers to the renovation of the building that houses G32 as a prime example of a good story.

"We were previously only on the ground floor while the upper ones were occupied by long-term tenants," he recalls. "By sheer bad luck, a storm a few years back practically ripped off the roof and flooded the second floor, forcing our upper story neighbors to flee.

"They even left their furniture behind. We undertook the renovation of the entire building with interior designer Yuen Wai-ip, kept the original floor tiles and wooden window frames, and added the donated furniture to enhance the period ambience."

Now, the entire house with its restored roof overlooking the low-rise neighborhood is used as the studio for two artists who craft indigenous accessories. Free tours of the house are available on weekends from 2:30 to 5:30 pm.

Across the narrow street, G17 Gallery is devoted to ceramics. It currently features the works of two young women artists, Lan Chiang and Lau Wang-tat, until Aug 18.

Other shops in the area focus on film, books and niche art objects. One street south is Macao Fashion Gallery, a two-story gallery and shop for apparel designs. Its current show features the works of Guangzhou-based South Korean designer Sylvia Oh along with local designers Akina Lei and San Lee.

The exhibition was mounted with the assistance of South Korea Fashion Association, Guangdong Association of Garment and Garment Article Industry and Guangdong Fashion Designers Association, and will run until the end of August.

There are also weekend improv art performances along the district's streets from 3 to 7 pm.