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Exhibit aims to expand ideas of Asian American art in the North State

Roger Shimomura’s "Enter the Rice Cooker" at the Janet Turner Museum in Chico, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2025.
Angel Huracha
/
NSPR
Roger Shimomura’s "Enter the Rice Cooker" at the Janet Turner Museum in Chico, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2025.

A selection of Asian American art is decorating the walls of Chico State.

"In Focus: Asian American Artists," displayed at the Janet Turner Print Museum, spotlights those artistic contributions.

Ansei Uchima’s Three Spheres—Space at the Turner Museum in Chico, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2025.
Angel Huracha
/
NSPR
Ansei Uchima’s "Three Spheres—Space" at the Janet Turner Museum in Chico, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2025.

Rachel Skokowski, the museum’s director of galleries and curator, emphasized that numerous pieces are making their debut at this exhibit.

“This show is all about celebrating our permanent collection,” Skokowski said. “What we have here on campus, and showing people this amazing resource that we have here.”

While the museum has previously exhibited work by Japanese artists, this is the first time it has showcased Asian American artists who have built their careers in the U.S.

“That was an area that Janet Turner was particularly interested in,” Skokowski said. “She traveled to Japan, but we've never actually celebrated artists of Asian descent who have been living and working in the U.S., so this is a really nice opportunity.”

The exhibit explores themes of identity, belonging and resilience, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of Asian Americans in Northern California.

Twenty-four different artists are featured, with work spanning from 1930 to 2019.

"We have artists of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Indian descent represented, but they've all sort of made their careers in the U.S., so it's an exciting opportunity to tell a slightly different story," Skokowski said.

Patti Warashina’s Eye of the Storm at the Turner Museum in Chico, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2025.
Angel Huracha
/
NSPR
Patti Warashina’s "Eye of the Storm" at the Janet Turner Museum in Chico, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2025.

The timing for this show's opening was chosen to coincide with Chico State's establishment of its first Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Student Resource Center.

“We've been partnering with them and the Asian and Pacific Islander Council on campus to create some connections and content,” Skokowski said.

The exhibition will also accompany a unique audio guide featuring the voices and perspectives of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students, staff and faculty at Chico State.

“They've done some research, but they've also really responded to it in quite a personal way, and I think visitors will enjoy getting to hear some different perspectives,” Skokowski said.

A talk by Skokowski and an opening reception to celebrate the exhibition will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Jan. 30 on campus in the Performing Arts Center, Room 134.

It will be followed by a reception at the Turner from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Artwork displayed at the Turner Museum in Chico, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2025.
Angel Huracha
/
NSPR
Artwork displayed at the Janet Turner Museum in Chico, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2025.

Angel Huracha has been a part of the journalism field since 2006 and has covered a range of topics. He is a graduate of Chico State with a Bachelor's degree in news-editorial and public relations with a minor in English.