An Epic Journey: Aurora’s Asian/Pacific Communities
August 14 – November 4, 2012

How do Aurora’s Asian/Pacific communities keep their diverse cultures alive?
Come learn about Aurora’s Asian/Pacific cultures!

The Aurora History Museum, in collaboration with the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition, An Epic Journey: Aurora’s Asian/Pacific Communities. Opening August 14, this exhibit will highlight Aurora’s ethnic diversity through a glimpse into the lives of the city’s Asian/Pacific cultures.

Immigrants have flocked to Aurora since the 1950s, drawn to the area for its military connections, abundant housing, and economic opportunities. The most culturally diverse city in Colorado, Aurora is home to a growing Asian/Pacific population.  A sense of community has remained of utmost importance, strengthened through shared values such as food, music, dance, and religion. Highlighting these cultural values through public dialogue and community events offers a deeper understanding and awareness.

The exhibit will feature more than 250 objects loaned by local community members such as traditional and ceremonial clothing, headwear, ceramics, household decorative items, musical instruments, and artwork. The personal stories of community members will be highlighted through individual spotlight panels and a video co-produced by Aurora Channel 8.

The exhibition is supported by the City of Aurora, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District, the Aurora Museum Foundation, the Aurora Credit Union Alliance, and contributions from a large number of community members and local businesses and organizations.

The exhibition opening will be celebrated with a special reception on Saturday, August 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. Additional special programs including music and dance presentations, workshops, lectures, and films will be held throughout the fall. Check the Museum’s web site for all the details: www.auroramuseum.org.

Opening Reception

Saturday, August 18 | 4 to 7 p.m.
Free & Open to the Public

Join us for the opening celebration of the new exhibition, An Epic Journey: Aurora’s Asian/Pacific Communities. This spectacular evening will be filled with cultural performances, wonderful food donated by local restaurants, and an opportunity to view the exhibit, An Epic Journey.

Performances will include:

At 4:15 p.m. – Kick-off event
Nguyen Thieu Youth Group of Colorado performs the Vietnamese Lion Dance

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Bobby Seigetsu Avstreih performs Sui-Zen Shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute)

4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Gamelan Tunas Mekar performs music and dance of Bali, Indonesia

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Junko Shigeta performs koto (13-stringed Japanese harp)

5:15 – 5:45 p.m.
Burmese dancers perform the Mon & Karen dances
Coordinated by the Burma Community Rangers

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Moua Thao performs the Hmong Xim-Xau (a two-stringed instrument)

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Bob Yang performs the Hmong Qeej (a bamboo pipe-like flute)

6:15 – 6:45 p.m.
Mudra Dance Studio Indian dance ensemble

6:45 p.m. Finale Performance
Siloam Blind Orchestra, a performing arts group from Korea