Reading Together Events

The Smithsonian Institution's traveling exhibition, Vietnam: Journey of the Heart, features a stunning collection of 52 color photographs of Vietnam taken by acclaimed photographer Geoffrey Clifford. 
February 14 - April 8

ARTbreak, the free weekly lecture series offered by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, presents "Remembering From Where I Came," with artist Ulysses Marshall. As a returning Vietnam veteran (U.S. Army), Marshall used art as a means of healing and affirmation. Vietnam, he said, is "a place where I found and lost myself."

Drawing inspiration from childhood memories in the rural South, Marshall creates paintings that offer a poetic entry into the African-American experience. "My art is an expression and extension of my grandmother's quilts," said Marshall. "Without her, color and pattern would not exist for me." Join the artist as he discusses his work, a selection of which is currently on display at the Art Center of Battle Creek.

ARTbreak is free of charge and open to everyone. Coffee and cookies are provided, and participants are invited to bring their own lunch.

A screening of From Saigon to Sanctuary, a video documentary featuring the stories of Vietnamese refugees who made their way to West Michigan after the Communist takeover of South Vietnam in 1975. President Gerald R. Ford discusses the historic setting, which brought the several waves of refugees to America. Compelling interviews of escape, historic film footage of the Vietnam War and an assessment of the contributions that Vietnamese Americans now make to the larger society are all featured. Winner of the 2002 Communicator Award for Ethnic Understanding. Discussion follows led by film producers Frank Jamison and Huan Le.