Diversity of exhibit sets it apart
Cramming for tests, typing papers and doing research are all images that may come to mind while thinking of the Norlin Library, but an art exhibit isn’t usually is associated with a library’s endless rows of books.
However, the Faces of Hawaii Diversity and Renaissance photo exhibit is running at Norlin Library’s Hughes Hot Spot until Oct. 15. The exhibit illustrates the rich diversity of people in the state of Hawaii.
Hawaii’s many ethnic groups have intermarried over the generations, which makes it difficult to identify pure ethnicities in Hawaiian people today. The exhibit is designed to reflect this diversity.
Deborah Fink, the outreach librarian, brought Joyce Lebra’s work into the library because of the diversity it brings.
“One of the things that has always been a high priority in libraries is diversity. We strive for source diversity, people diversity and bringing that diversity to life,” Fink said.
Lebra, the artist of this exhibit, is a retired CU professor who specializes in the history of Japan and India. She grew up in Honolulu, has spent 15 years in Asia, and recently moved back to Boulder after traveling between Maui and Boulder for 12 years.
As the author of 12 books on topics including Japan, India and the women of Asia and the Pacific, Lebra is a writer as well as an artist. Norlin Library had a reception for her more recent book “Sugar and Smoke.”
“I wrote my book because I am interested in seeing justice and truths come out,” Lebra said.
As for her motivation to create the exhibit, Lebra said it is important for students to be aware of Hawaii’s rich diversity because demographers say that this is where the rest of the country is going.
“I hope that this exhibit brings an awareness of the tremendous cultural diversity in Hawaii and an awareness of the Hawaiian Renaissance that’s going on now,” Lebra said.
The Hawaiian Renaissance is creating a tremendous surge in the interest of Hawaiian culture that wasn’t present before in the missionary era. Lebra celebrates that in her exhibit.
“I would encourage students to come see the exhibit just to see the tremendous ethnic tapestry Hawaii is,” Lebra said.
One student is already planning on it.
“I had no idea there were art exhibits at Norlin Library,” said Courtney McCallum, a junior communication major. “That’s definitely something I’m going to check out.”
