Westfield Santa Anita Hosts Special Pop-Up Exhibit on Chinese-American History, Curated by the Chinese American Museum
In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the interactive “Community on the Move: Chinese Americans in California (1869-1965)” exhibit invites guests to share their stories of the San Gabriel Valley community.
Arcadia, CA (May 17, 2013) – In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Westfield Santa Anita, the premier shopping center in the San Gabriel Valley, and the Chinese American Museum unveiled a unique pop-up exhibit today showcasing the history of Chinese Americans in California. The exhibit, titled “Community on the Move: Chinese Americans in California (1869-1965),” is curated by the Chinese American Museum, a learning institution dedicated to researching, preserving and sharing the stories, experiences and contributions of Chinese Americans in the United States. Located on The Promenade at Westfield Santa Anita from May 18, 2013 to May 31, 2013, the interactive exhibit explores Chinese Americans’ struggles and successes throughout history that shaped the community’s growth.
“Community on the Move” explores the lives of Chinese Americans prior to the passing of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, with an interactive display highlighting the history of the San Gabriel Valley. The Immigration and Nationality Act changed the social, cultural and economic landscape for Chinese-American communities throughout the United States, serving as a catalyst for the development of suburban Chinese-American communities outside of Chinatowns, including those in the San Gabriel Valley. Guests are invited to contribute to the exhibit by sharing personal stories of their families and experiences in the San Gabriel Valley.
Other exhibit features include a portable timeline of Chinese-American history; and historic photographs illustrating the Chinese-American experience in California.
“The Chinese American Museum is proud to partner with Westfield Santa Anita,” said Steve Wong, Executive Director and Curator of the Chinese American Museum. “The San Gabriel Valley is home to several Asian majority communities, and Westfield Santa Anita is a popular destination for many people throughout the region. This exhibit connects the histories of the early Chinese-American communities in California to the newer and thriving Chinese-American communities in the San Gabriel Valley today, while encouraging these new communities to share their own rich cultural legacy with the Chinese American Museum.”
The temporary exhibit at Westfield Santa Anita marks the first time that the Chinese American Museum has curated an exhibit at the shopping center. Since its establishment in 2003, the museum has been permanently located at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument in Downtown Los Angeles.
“We are so thrilled to be hosting the Chinese American Museum’s fantastic historic exhibit,” said Steve Jaffe, District Marketing Director for Westfield Santa Anita. “As our Center is in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley and very much a part of the community here, we want to provide our shoppers with experiences that are culturally and historically relevant to them. With May being Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, there’s no better time to celebrate the diverse groups and cultures that make this community special.”
The Chinese American Museum exhibit, “Community on the Move: Chinese Americans in California (1869-1965),” can be found adjacent to Blue Aveda Salon on The Promenade at Santa Anita, near Nordstrom. It is free and open to the public from May 18, 2013 to May 31, 2013, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
About Westfield Santa Anita
Westfield Santa Anita, anchored by Nordstrom, Macy’s, AMC Theatres, and JCPenney, offers a dynamic merchandising mix with such favorites as Forever 21, Sephora, H&M, Michael Kors, Abercrombie & Fitch and Kiehl’s. The property’s delectable dining options include The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Wood Ranch BBQ, Red Robin and more. With its May 2009 opening, The Promenade at Westfield Santa Anita features 115,000 square feet of new retail space in an elegant outdoor environment. This $120 million revitalization of the property introduces 30 new shops and restaurants, beautifully landscaped courtyards punctuated by lush greenery, pleasant walkways, fountains, and locally inspired architecture. The popular brands now available within this scenic shopping destination include Banana Republic, Coach, Chico’s, Williams-Sonoma, Talbot’s, J. Jill, Blu Aveda Salon Store, abercrombie kids and Boarders.
About the Chinese American Museum
The Chinese American Museum (CAM) is jointly developed and operated by the Friends of the Chinese American Museum (FCAM) and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, a department of the City of Los Angeles. Located with in the El Pueblo Plaza in downtown Los Angeles, CAM is housed in the historic Garnier Building, the original “city hall” for the Chinese American community in Los Angeles. The Museum’s mission is “to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of America’s diverse heritage by researching, preserving, and sharing the history, rich cultural legacy, and continuing contributions of Chinese Americans.” CAM is located at 425 North Los Angeles Street in El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, across from Union Station. Hours are 10 a.m .– 3 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday. Admissions are suggested donations of $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and students. Members are admitted free. For more information about the Museum, please visit their website at www.camla.org.