Join us in celebrating the cultures, diversity, and voices of Asian Pacific American communities that have helped to shape this beautiful country. The 2020 US Census estimated 24 million people in the United States identify as Asian alone or a combination.*

This month, the Library is has two art exhibits on display in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Below are statements from each artist on what inspires them to create and how their craft has evolved:

Warli Art by Manju Gurjar

On exhibit at the North Edison Branch (Grove and Library Pl)
and the Clara Barton Branch (Hoover Ave at Pleasant Ave)

Warli art is an ancient tribal art that originated in Maharashtra, India. 

Warli paintings were mainly done by the women folk describing social life in a rhythmic pattern. These paintings use basic geometric shapes like triangles, squares, circles that symbolize nature and daily life. It’s simple yet stylish. 

My interest in art developed during the pandemic and now it’s my passion. My art efforts are for self expression and a means to challenge me. I am proud of my art when I see the progress of my work improve over time. Also I feel accomplished and happy when my friends and family enjoy and appreciate what I create. It involves focus and imagination and it allows me to meet like minded people. These art attempts keep me motivated to develop my skills.

Spring - New Hope by Eva Cheng

On exhibit at the Main Library (Plainfield Ave. and Division St.)

The year I immigrated to the US, I began doing ceramics and paintings. 

I use color to express my feelings. Oil painting is a tool for releasing my stress and anxieties onto a canvas. When I finish a painting, my world becomes calm and I can face a brand new day. I choose oil paints as my medium because of their slowness to dry. As they dry I can explore different depths of colors, how they mix, and how they co-exist, admire each other. 

I hope you can find a personal place in my paintings, to breathe, to live, and to shout out. In the world of my paintings, there are no rules to follow, no borders across your path.

* (US Census Bureau, accessed May 4, 2022, https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2022/asian-american-pacific-islander.html)

Below are a few incredible resources, offered both virtually and in-person, on Asian and Pacific Island cutures and their history in the United States. Also included is a list of titles, both classic and new, that celebrate the voices of the AAPI community. 

The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art located in Washington DC offers virtual exhibitions, collections by region, performances and research.

AsianPacificHeritage.gov A tribute by "The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success."

Newark Museum is hosting Máhiká Maker: A Celebration of Filipinx Aesthetics - a virtual conversation of Filipino artists with free admission.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is currently hosting Samurai Splendor: Sword Fittings from Edo Japan. To see these artifacts in person, visit the Met's website to plan a trip.

The Asia Society Museum in New York City offers "Groundbreaking exhibitions of traditional and contemporary Asian and Asian-American art."

The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco offers virtual programs, activities, performances, cooking demonstrations, art on view, and educational resources that you can explore all month long.

PBS’ Asian Americans series provides a view of identity, contributions, and challenges experienced by Asian Americans throughout history.

Google Arts & Culture, in collaboration with over 30 institutions focused on AAPI history, arts, and culture, has curated an incredible collection of virtual galleries and exhibits for you to explor

Dear Customer,

After careful consideration, the Library is lifting our mask mandate for staff and the public starting Monday, March 14th. 

Masks will continue to be a welcome option for anyone who wants to wear them. 
 
We look forward to seeing you soon.