Exhibition Statement
The exhibition, What We Keep: The Objects of Immigrants to America, is an installation of fifteen drawings by artist, Jane Chu. The exhibition centers upon her mother’s journey out of China during the Chinese Revolution of 1949. In addition to her mother’s journey, Chu tells a series of stories about individuals who have immigrated to the United States from all over the world, told through their own keepsake memorabilia. Each story includes illustrations of their keepsake objects. “Sometimes at first, we may not have enough information to support those who have newly arrived in the United States,” says Chu. “But if we ask them to identify a personal object that is meaningful to them, then their stories unfold, and we see their amazing personal qualities emerge. We understand how the strength and ingenuity of their lives contribute to society.” More of Chu’s stories and illustrations can be found in Smithsonian Folklife Magazine.
Jane Chu is a visual artist, living in New York, and served as the eleventh chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts (2014-2018). She is a graduate of the SMU Meadows School of the Arts. The exhibition opens September 7, 2023 in the Hawn Gallery, Hamon Arts Library.
Chu will speak at two events during the opening of this exhibition. Both events are open to the public. Parking permits available through the RSVP.
“Keepsake Objects: The Contributions of Immigrants to America” – Lunch and Talk with Jane Chu on September 6, 12 – 1 pm, Taubman Atrium, Owen Arts Center, SMU. Light lunch provided. RSVP requested.
Wine Reception & Artist’s Talk – September 7, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Hamon Arts Library Reading Room
RSVP requested.
Location
Hawn Gallery:
Jake and Nancy Hamon Arts Library Lobby, Owen Arts Center, 6101 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205
Hours
The Hawn Gallery:
See Hamon Arts Library Calendar
General Parking Information
Hawn Gallery:
Use the Moody Parking Center at the southeast corner of SMU Boulevard and Airline Road. The garage is located at 3063 SMU Blvd., less than half a mile from U.S. Highway 75 (North Central Expressway). All-day parking is $10, payable by credit card.
Visitors may also use the Binkley Parking Center at the corner of Binkley Avenue and Airline Road. The visitor entrance is on Binkley Avenue, and visitors may park anywhere on Level 2 or above. Payment is made before exiting the garage; the all-day parking is $10, payable by credit card.
Metered parking is available as indicated on the campus map. Meters allow for a maximum of three hours at 1.50 an hour coin or 1.85 an hour using ParkMobile.
Route 440 SMU Red Express Route
Bus Route 440 (SMU Red Express) takes you to campus, popular student apartment areas and nearby stores, services and restaurants. And you can connect to the DART Rail Red, Blue or Orange Line and other buses at SMU/Mockingbird Station.
Monday through Saturday, 7 am - 10 pm, when classes are in session.
View Route 440 schedules: https://www.dart.org/riding/mustangexpress.asp
When moving from one gallery to another, visitors may take the SMU free shuttle or drive (7 min).