The creativity and colors of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage were celebrated Sunday at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
The Greensburg museum’s event, part of its ongoing Sunday Fun Day series, showcased Asian American and Pacific Islander culture through live performances and hands-on activities for all ages.
“We provide different components of culture here,” said Sophia Geng, a Chinese studies professor at Saint Vincent College who was crafting Chinese calligraphy for visitors. “Often in the busyness of life, we sometimes forget how diverse and colorful Greensburg is.”
At the event, people could also color and fold their own Japanese-inspired paper fan while learning about the significance of hand fans in Japanese art and daily life.
Throughout the day, three groups performed: Tuika’s Polynesian Island Magic, the Xiaobo Waist Drum Dance Group and the OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) Performance Ensemble.
Anita Zablov and daughter Zeva, 7, created their own Zen Garden. A Zen Garden is a landscape of carefully arranged rocks, with gravel or sand raked to mimic flowing water.
“It looked like something interesting and I wanted to give (Zeva) new cultural experiences, help make her a well-rounded person,” said Zablov, of Monroeville. “I grew up in the country so it’s nice to have access to awesome events.”
Elle Marshall, public programs manager at The Westmoreland, said museum patrons often say they’re excited to hear, or experience, different cultures.
“That’s what museums do,” Marshall said. “We take art and teach history. It’s educational and fun for families.”
The gathering was also part of Remake Learning Days, a national program of hands-on learning events that started in Pittsburgh.
The Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration provided an experience for visitors they can’t find elsewhere in Westmoreland County, Marshall said. The museum setting also means people can explore other parts of the museum’s collection.
May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The museum has held similar events on LGBT Pride and African American history, Marshall said.
“We’re making sure we’re being inclusive, and showcasing the community,” Marshall said.
As he placed a note on a blessing tree, Kevin Zilli said he enjoyed learning about different cultures. Inspired by Hawaiian tradition, people wrote a wish or blessing on a piece of paper and tied it to the tree. It honors the power of mana, or spiritual energy.
“My wish is for understanding and tolerance across the planet,” said Zilli, of Greensburg. “Different cultures do different things and there’s history in all of it, and beauty in all of it.”