The Paper Trail: To the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act


Date: May 29
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Theatre

This talk will introduce the Chinese Canadian Museum (Vancouver), the first cultural institution in Canada devoted to Chinese Canadian culture and lived histories, and The Paper Trail, a feature exhibition on the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act.

Exhibition Curator, Catherine Clement will be in conversation with Chinese Canadian Museum CEO, Dr. Melissa Lee in introducing the feature museum exhibition on the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the generational trauma that resulted in the separation of Chinese Canadian families in the 20th century. 

Tickets: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms Members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709)757-8090.
 

About the Presenters:

Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee is an arts and culture leader with research interests in public art and social practice. She currently holds the appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Chinese Canadian Museum, in British Columbia, Vancouver which was successfully opened on July 1st, 2023, showcasing 3 inaugural exhibitions in a 27,000 square foot space in the heart of Vancouver Chinatown. From 2019-2022, she was the Director of Education and Public Programs at the Vancouver Art Gallery. From 2016-2019 she was on the founding team to open Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Art, Hong Kong serving as the Education and  Public Programs Curator. From 2008-2015, she was on faculty as Senior Lecturer at the English Department of Chinese University of Hong Kong. She holds degrees from McGill, Canterbury and Lancaster Universities.

Catherine Clement is an award-winning community historian, curator, and author based in Vancouver’s Chinatown.  Her practice focuses on finding and telling the lesser-known or forgotten stories of the Chinese Canadian experience.

Catherine’s projects have been acclaimed for the extensive crowdsourcing she undertakes to discover lost photographs, documents and stories. She uses these unearthed materials to create a major exhibition and leave a legacy: the establishment of new community archives in public institutions.

Before developing The Paper Trail project, Catherine spent 10 years uncovering the hidden works of Vancouver's first and most prolific Chinese photographer. The project “Chinatown Through a Wide Lens: The Hidden Photographs of Yucho Chow” resulted in an exhibition, an award-winning book and a digital archive of over 600 photos that is now housed at the City of Vancouver. 

Today's Events & Programs

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Art Tea

Art Tea is a contemplative way to experience our exhibitions. Join us for a visit to the art gallery, then exchange ideas and share reflections about current topics in art. This is a casual and relaxed group setting. Tea will be served overlooking the breathtaking view of the harbour.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Seating is limited. Tickets are available online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbour view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up.

Quality drawing supplies are available, or feel free to bring your own sketchbook.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Drop-ins welcome!

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tour

Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador

Stroll across land and sea, and through time, to meet the peoples who have made Newfoundland and Labrador home for the past 9,000 years.

Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbour view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up.

Quality drawing supplies are available, or feel free to bring your own sketchbook.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Drop-ins welcome!

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Workshop

Make your own personalized wrapping paper while learning a variety of basic printmaking techniques. Suitable for all skill levels and experience, participants will leave the workshop with new skills and a roll of hand-printed, unique holiday giftwrap.

All workshop materials are included in the cost.

Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members.

Limited spaces! Pre-registration required. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

This workshop may get messy—appropriate clothing is recommended.

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7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Rescheduled date from December 3. 

Get your thinking caps on, settle in with some hot chocolate from the bar and get ready for some Holiday Trivia! Join us for an evening of questions inspired by the holiday season, history, geography, and culture of the province.

Teams of 2-6 people.
Cash bar available
Prizes!

Finish up your evening with a stroll through the building to check out the decorations on each floor and stop by the giftshop for some last minute shopping!

Cost: $12 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.