FACING THE COMMUNITY. Some of the artwork from the upcoming “Encounters,” which will be displayed Nov. 5-9 at the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association. (Submitted images)
Two Chippewa Valley nonprofits and UW-Eau Claire artists are collaborating on a unique exhibit that will focus on artwork that tells stories by marginalized voices.
The exhibit, “Encounters,” will be on display Nov. 5-9 at the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, 1320 W. Clairemont Ave. The association worked with JONAH (Joining Our Neighbors Advancing Hope) and UWEC’s Department of Art and Design to present the exhibit.
“JONAH has a history of telling stories to bridge understanding between people,” said Lynn Buske, JONAH organizer and curator of this project. “Sometimes putting someone in that position to tell their own story to others can be traumatizing or at least overwhelming. Not only are these stories important to be heard but they are only part of the whole person. We intend this exhibit to be a safe way to open tellers and listeners. Art is a powerful medium for us to encounter each other.”
Among other things, the exhibit will feature visual art that chronicles the history of Hmong immigrants to the Chippewa Valley; art by UWEC students that tells the stories of people who face the issues JONAH addresses, which include housing, poverty, mental health, immigration, and more; portrait art showing the faces of the Chippewa Valley side by side; and creations from the Postcard Project.
“This event recognizes the experiences of the people who are immigrants and asylum seekers,” HMAA Director True Vue said. “This exhibit goes beyond the questions as it acknowledges the resilience and humanity behind each story of survival.”
Organizers hope to turn the exhibit into an annual event that will showcase more stories and art.
“Getting to know each other when we have different experiences, languages, and perspectives is so important right now,” Buske said.
“Encounters” will run 4-8pm Tuesday-Friday, Nov. 5-8, and 10am-5pm on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association office, 1320 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire. The exhibit will be free, and will be presented in English, Hmong, and Spanish.
