Events highlighting the culture and contributions of the region’s Chinese American community will accompany the Museum of Ventura County’s fall exhibition Hidden Voices: The Chinese of Ventura County, running from September 1 to November 25, 2012. The exhibit tells the largely unheard story of early Chinese communities in Ventura and Oxnard, honoring the accomplishments and perseverance of Chinese settlers despite discrimination and exclusion. The related events include:

Chinese Cultural Heritage Festival

Saturday, September 8, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
$5 general public, MVC members and children 12 years and under free

RSVP: 805.653.0323 x 7

A Chinese Lion Dance by the Camarillo Kung Fu and Lion Dance Association highlights the museum’s Chinese Cultural Heritage Festival, which celebrates the cultural contributions of Chinese Americans. The Lion Dance begins at 2:00 p.m., and the

Ventura County Chinese American Association Dance Troupe, and Nan’s Dance Studio also present performances. Throughout the day, BiJian Fan shows how he makes his kinetic sculptures; Christine Leong paints with watercolor on paper and silk; the Conejo Chinese Cultural Association demonstrates paper making; and the Ventura County Chinese American Association shows the art of calligraphy and brush painting.

Courage & Contribution: The Chinese in Ventura County
Film screening followed by Q & A

Sunday, October 7, 2:00 p.m.

Free admission to event and exhibit galleries all day (Free First Sunday)

This documentary illustrates 19th century Chinese immigration to California and the evolution of their communities in Ventura and Oxnard. It highlights the contributions of Chinese agricultural workers and merchants, the Chinese fire company, and the history of William Soo Hoo, the first Chinese mayor elected in the state of California. Produced by the Ventura County Chinese American Historical Society and directed by George Sandoval. In English.

Hidden Lives

Book Talk by William Gow, followed by Q&A and book signing
Saturday, October 27, 1:00 p.m.

$5, MVC members free

RSVP: 805.653.0323 x 7

William Gow discusses the role of Chinese immigrants in the evolution of Ventura County, with emphasis on the history of Oxnard’s Chinese community. Gow is the great-grandson of Wong Ah Gow and Lou Oy Gow who owned Gow Markets in Oxnard in the early 1900s. He recently co-authored Hidden Lives: A Century of Chinese American History in Ventura County.

A Journey through Paper Art

Lecture by artist BiJian Fan
Sunday, November 18, 2:00 pm
$5; MVC members free

RSVP: 805.653.0323 x 7

Join artist BiJian Fan of Camarillo on a journey through the history of paper and paper arts in China, as well as the modern techniques and cutting edge materials he uses in his kinetic sculptures.

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission to the exhibitions is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, members and children under 6 are free. The first Sundays of every month are free general admission for the public. For more museum information go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.