In honor of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Heritage Month, this exhibit highlights the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of APIA communities, with a special focus on the immigrant experience in San Diego. At the heart of the exhibit is a tribute to former San Diego City Council Member Tom Hom, a pioneering Chinese American leader, artist, and advocate.

The exhibit showcases Hom’s artistic work, including replicas of his paintings and sketches, as well as his ‘tools of the trade’ — paintbrushes, models, art supplies, and more. Also featured are historical newspapers, books, and magazines from San Diego’s Chinese American community, offering insight into the immigrant journey and cultural identity.

In addition to celebrating Hom’s legacy, the exhibit highlights broader APIA heritage. Visitors can learn about campus resources like the Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American (APIMEDA) Programs and Services office, as well as some of the Library’s APIA-related collections from the Tuzin Archive for Melanesian Anthropology and the East Asia Collection, including Sally T. WongAvery Collection of Chinese Materials.

Join us in celebrating APIA Heritage Month by exploring a small sampling of the history, artistry, and enduring contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander American communities.

Image Credit: Tom Hom

Image Description: Getting Ready, a watercolor painting of lion dancers preparing for Chinese New Year