Date: November 6, 2009
Contact: Kathleen Morrissey, Coordinator
Theatre and Events
University/Community Programs Department
417-255-7966

    STUDENTS AT SEVERAL AREA high schools are among the 1,800-plus visitors who have viewed the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibit “Exit Saigon, Enter Little Saigon:  Vietnamese Americans Since 1975” since it opened on Oct. 9 at the West Plains Civic Center as part of the schedule of activities of The Big Read of Howell County.  The exhibit, which features 93 text and photographic panels, shows how Vietnamese Americans have found success in all walks of life despite the challenges they faced in relocating to America after the Vietnam War ended.  The exhibit was developed by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program (APAP) and was organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES).  West Plains is the only venue in Missouri chosen to be part of the exhibit’s national tour, organizers said.  The tour was made possible by Farmers Insurance.  The exhibit will remain in the Magnolia Room at the civic center through Nov. 22.  Admission is free, and the exhibit is viewable from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.  The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services in cooperation with Arts Midwest.  Support for The Big Read is provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.  For more information about the exhibit, contact the Missouri State University-West Plains University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department office at 417-255-7966.  (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)