EXHIBITION

The exhibition was held at Nino Studio in Pioneer Square in Seattle during May 2024 for AANHPI Heritage Month. The show featured all nine stories from the project and included a screening room featuring video interviews. An additional twenty community submissions collected through open calls were featured in the show. A “Share Your Story” wall for visitors to share their stories was on display in the curated art gallery section featuring art on the theme of names.

During the month, weekly community centered events were held including Story Sharing Circle, Guided Meditation Workshop, and Market Day benefiting Make Us Visible WA. Events were held in partnership with local AANHPI small businesses, musicians, and volunteers.

The exhibition was made possible by donations from the community and 4Culture Open Heritage Grant.

Opening Reception | Story Sharing Circle | Meditation Workshop | Market Day | Closing Reception

Opening Reception

Opening Reception was held on May 2, 2024 at Nino Studio during Pioneer Square Artwalk and featured My Name Story project, community stories, “Share Your Story” wall, screening, and small community art show.

Story Sharing Circle

This event was designed to be a brave space for sharing our stories on the theme of “Fitting In.” Participants were given a card with an inspirational quote and opportunities to tell their stories while the audience practiced active listening.

Guided Meditation Workshop

In partnership with Dany Srey-Snow and Mari Ichimasu, the Guided Meditation workshop was an opportunity for participants to experience calm and healing through sound bath, meditation, journaling, and sharing.

Market Day

Market Day featured nine vendors from the AANHPI community. We collaborated with local business Anyoung Super at Ohsun Banchan, who was holding their own Market Day, to encourage customers to visit both. A scavenger hunt was held with answers to clues in the exhibition and prizes from local businesses*, while local AANHPI musicians played during the event.

A portion of the proceeds were donated to Make Us Visible WA, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to passing laws requiring AANHPI history to be included in K-12 curriculum. Make Us Visible tabled at the event, along with nine other vendors.

Musical Performers: Evan Captain | DeShawn Rivers

*Donations by Judy Lee, Yaminee Patel, and Kauwaii Crochet from Mam’s Books, Mixed Pantry

Closing Reception

The Closing Reception featured the premiere of “My Name Story,” a short documentary created by project videographer Tatyana Kurepina and her company Films About Artists. A Q&A with Judy followed, moderated by My Name Story participant Annya. A panel discussion, featuring Siemny, Yaminee, and Maridelle, was moderated by Judy after. We closed the evening with an acoustic performance by Veronica and Valerie Topacio of local indie band LaFonda, featuring music never before performed in public along with personal stories about their upbringing and experiences as AANHPIs.

Community Support

This exhibition would not have possible without the financial support from the community, AANHPI businesses and artists, and the support of the following people who dedicated countless volunteer hours to help run the events. Special thanks to Yaminee Patel, Rya Wu, Ren Han, Renata Lumanau, Julia Nagatsu Granstrom, Cassie Whitebread, and Anna Tono.

MY NAME STORY