Yesterday evening, Friday, Feb. 7, the Big Read exhibit, “Over Land & Sea: Spearfish Immigration Stories,” was kicked off with an opening reception. Most of those who participated in this exhibit were able to attend, several in their native dress.
Ava Sauter, our Gallery & Special Events Manager, was responsible for putting this wonderful exhibit together. Kaija Swisher, Director of the Writing Center at Black Hills State University and former Black Hills Pioneer reporter, conducted each interview. They are Scott Gillis, Petra Hansen, Parthasarathi Nag, Micheline Nelson, Jytte Bowers, Jonna Henwood, Florence Tan, Edith Miles, Dago Rodriguez, Ahrar Ahmad, and Abby Domogail. More details about exhibit from previous post. Enjoy some pictures from the evening below!
Each participant had their framed photo and interview posted on the gallery wall alongside a HUGE world map. Ava ordered the map thinking it would come in one piece, but instead arrived in EIGHT parts which she then had to tape together. Also, hanging the map was quite interesting as all 3 staff members are barely over 5 feet tall. We’d like to personally thank the elevator inspector who happened to be walking through and provided us with extra helping hands!
Several of the participants’ stories will be published next week in the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper. Also, this exhibit runs through February 22, so while in town, be sure to stop by and visit.
The map was a wonderful focal point for the evening. All were welcome to draw a path from where they (or their ancestors) immigrated from to the spot in the U.S. they landed! If you stop by the gallery in the next 2 weeks, feel free to draw your line.
