Date: May 29
7:00 pm
- 8:00 pm
Where: Theatre
This talk will introduce the Chinese Canadian Museum (Vancouver), the first cultural institution in Canada devoted to Chinese Canadian culture and lived histories, and The Paper Trail, a feature exhibition on the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act.
Exhibition Curator, Catherine Clement will be in conversation with Chinese Canadian Museum CEO, Dr. Melissa Lee in introducing the feature museum exhibition on the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the generational trauma that resulted in the separation of Chinese Canadian families in the 20th century.
Tickets: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms Members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709)757-8090.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee is an arts and culture leader with research interests in public art and social practice. She currently holds the appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Chinese Canadian Museum, in British Columbia, Vancouver which was successfully opened on July 1st, 2023, showcasing 3 inaugural exhibitions in a 27,000 square foot space in the heart of Vancouver Chinatown. From 2019-2022, she was the Director of Education and Public Programs at the Vancouver Art Gallery. From 2016-2019 she was on the founding team to open Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Art, Hong Kong serving as the Education and Public Programs Curator. From 2008-2015, she was on faculty as Senior Lecturer at the English Department of Chinese University of Hong Kong. She holds degrees from McGill, Canterbury and Lancaster Universities.
Catherine Clement is an award-winning community historian, curator, and author based in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Her practice focuses on finding and telling the lesser-known or forgotten stories of the Chinese Canadian experience.
Catherine’s projects have been acclaimed for the extensive crowdsourcing she undertakes to discover lost photographs, documents and stories. She uses these unearthed materials to create a major exhibition and leave a legacy: the establishment of new community archives in public institutions.
Before developing The Paper Trail project, Catherine spent 10 years uncovering the hidden works of Vancouver's first and most prolific Chinese photographer. The project “Chinatown Through a Wide Lens: The Hidden Photographs of Yucho Chow” resulted in an exhibition, an award-winning book and a digital archive of over 600 photos that is now housed at the City of Vancouver.
Auks, Wolves and Whales
What fills the void when a species is no more? Legends, folklore, and history worth learning from. Come listen to the stories of the Great Auk, the Newfoundland Wolf, and Endangered Whales as they echo across the ages through their body and bones. Commiserate with the extinct, heed the calls of the endangered, hold ossified bones, and see how artists transform tragedy into hope for a sustainable future.
Tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and included in the cost of admission.
As part of the Spirit Song Festival, celebrate the exhibition Tekweywinen Tel Weljesultiek (Be With Us In Our Joy), curated by Jenelle Duval. Several of the featured artists will be in attendance.
Also joining us to celebrate the opening will be Elder Marjorie Muise, Elder Emma Reelis, Elder Calvin White, and Chief Mi’sel Joe.
A night of art and music for all ages at our FREE public reception as part of the Spirit Song Festival hosted by First Light!
Refreshments provided. All art exhibitions FREE to explore during the reception.
Tekweywinen tel Weljesultiek (Be With Us In Our Joy), curated by Jenelle Duval, is a unique, multidisciplinary, interactive, and play-based experience. It showcases the works of seven artists based in Wabanaki*— inviting you to explore their individual interpretations of joy. Artists: Jordan Bennett, Samaqani Cocahq, Michael R. Denny, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Megan Samms, Kayla Stride, and Nelson White.
*Wabanaki, translated as “People of the First Light” or “Dawnland,” includes five nations: the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki.
Click here to learn more.
Join us at The Rooms for an inspiring drawing class designed specifically for teens. Whether you’re a budding artist or just curious about exploring your artistic interests, this class is perfect for you!
What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques, from line work to shading. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbor view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.
This fun and relaxed atmosphere is a place for teens to meet fellow teen artists, share ideas, and enjoy a supportive environment.
Materials Provided: High-quality drawing supplies will be provided.
Unlock your creativity, express yourself, and create beautiful art! No prior experience necessary. Let’s make art together!
Cost: $20 plus HST per session. 10% discount for Rooms Members. Reserve your spot by calling (709) 757-8090.