Three New Exhibits Open at the Chinese American Museum DC

Thank You, Corky Lee – The Unofficial Photographer Laureate of Asian Americans

Bruce Lee: American Son and International Icon

Fashioning Identity in Qipao: The Image of Modern Women

Washington, DC - July 20, 2023 – The Chinese American Museum DC (CAMDC) has officially launched three, new special exhibits representing dramatically different topics all within the Chinese American story.

“Thank You, Corky Lee – The Unofficial Photographer Laureate of Asian Americans” is a retrospective exhibit of the late journalist-activist-photographer, Corky Lee (1947-2021), and a personal tribute featuring quotes and dialogues from the Asian American community. On display are some of Corky Lee’s most iconic images as well as rarely seen photos. Corky Lee was a beloved, self-taught photographer that documented key historical events as well as everyday life and culture across different Asian American communities. The exhibit is made possible through a grant from Panda Express.

“Bruce Lee: American Son and International Icon” commemorates the cultural superstar on the 50th anniversary of his passing revealing both his Hollywood qualities and his sensitivities as an artist, philosopher, and family man. On display are rarely seen images, personal documents, and objects from Bruce Lee and those who were influenced by his work.

“Fashioning Identity in Qipao: The Image of Modern Women” provides a visual tour of the qipao, the quintessential dress for Chinese women in the Republic Era. Its origin and history are closely intertwined with women’s quest for equality and independence during China’s rapid modernization and urbanization in the early 20th century. Its indelible influence on fashion extends to Western fashion, culture, and the arts.

David Uy, Executive Director of the museum explains, “We are thrilled to have such a wide range of subjects on display simultaneously. These exhibits satisfy three compelling parts of the Chinese American story—the social activism of Corky Lee’s photography; the artistic, humanistic, and athletic inspiration of Bruce Lee; and the cultural influence of the qipao dress.”

The museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.  Visitors should check the museum’s web site, https://www.ChineseAmericanMuseum.org for updated hours and exhibit dates.

About The Chinese American Museum DC

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the museum advances the understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of the Chinese American experience, by highlighting the history, culture, spirit, and contributions of Chinese Americans to our nation and beyond. Housed in a five-story, 1907 Beaux Arts-style mansion in downtown DC, just five blocks north of the White House, the museum is the first and only destination in the Washington area dedicated to the Chinese American story. General admission to the museum is free. Web site – https://www.ChineseAmericanMuseum.org.

Chinese American Museum to Honor Local and National Luminaries and Heroes from Chinese American Community at Inaugural Gold Lantern Awards Gala

Washington, DC - April 27, 2022 – The Chinese American Museum DC (CAMDC) will honor distinguished local and national members of the Chinese American community for their leadership, service, and social impact at the inaugural Gold Lantern Awards Gala at The St. Regis Hotel in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. CAMDC officially opened its doors last year and is the first museum in the nation’s capital dedicated to the Chinese American story.

Corporate and cultural community leaders will come together to celebrate the honorees, along with distinguished members of the greater Asian American community including the Committee of 100, 1882 Foundation, business leaders, ambassadors including His Excellency Ashok and Gouri Mirpuri, Embassy of Singapore, and Maryland state elected officials.

The Gold Lantern Awards will be awarded to the following:

·       The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC), a nonprofit based in Gaithersburg, Md. and one of the largest grassroots organizations serving the greater Washington, D.C. area

·       Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Co-founders, Panda Restaurant Group with over 2,200 restaurants and the Panda Cares Foundation and now the Community Care Fund which has donated millions of dollars in response to the pandemic to combat food insecurity

·       Christopher Tin, two-time Grammy Award winning composer and the first for video games, considered a significant milestone for the critical acceptance of music from video games as a legitimate art form

·       Grace Young, 2022 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year and award-winning cookbook author

·       Mei Xu, Founder and CEO of three global companies including Yes She May, a community and marketplace for women entrepreneurs, and Chesapeake Bay Candle

Additional awardees will be announced at the event.

“We want to shine a light on these incredible Chinese Americans who are the epitome of excellence, leadership and service to the community, not just among Asians but society at large,” said David Uy, CAMDC’s Executive Director. “They inspire by their tenacity, courage, creativity, and success. And most importantly, they inspire by their generosity, giving back to causes close to their heart.”

Performances will include opera singer Frank Zhang and the University of Maryland’s Ethnobeat, a unique multilingual, multicultural a cappella group that looks past cultural barriers and embraces diversity of all people.

Proceeds from this event will help to support exhibitions, programs, and    operations at CAMDC events and webinars designed to increase understanding, awareness, and acceptance of Chinese Americans as an integral part of American history.

The gala is sold out. No more general tickets remain for this live event. For more information, go to: www.ChineseAmericanMuseum.org.

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About The Chinese American Museum DC

A nonprofit 501 ©(3) organization, the museum advances the understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of the Chinese American experience, by highlighting the history, culture, spirit, and contributions of Chinese Americans to our nation and beyond.. Housed in a five-story, 1907 Beaux Arts-style mansion in downtown DC, just five blocks north of the White House, the museum is the first and only destination in the Washington area dedicated to the Chinese American story. General admission to the museum is free.