Contact Information:
Stephanie Drenka
stephanie@dallasasianhistory.org
For Immediate Release:
New Exhibition Showcases History of Chinese American Restaurateurs in Dallas
Dallas, TX – June 27, 2023 – The Dallas Asian American Historical Society is proud to announce the opening of its first public exhibition, “Leftover: The Enduring Legacy of Chinese Cuisine in Dallas,” on Friday, July 7th, 2023. The exhibition, hosted by Preservation Dallas inside the historic Wilson House, is inspired by the resilience and innovation of Dallas’ earliest Asian immigrants, who established successful restaurants in the city.
“Leftover” features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and oral histories curated from the local Chinese American community by the Dallas Asian American Historical Society and visuals designed by local Asian American artists under the leadership of Creative Director Christina Hahn, a Cedars Union artist and graduate of Southern Methodist University’s M.A. in Design and Innovation program.
“Dallas’ first Chinese restaurant owners found ways to thrive in a city built to exclude them,” says Stephanie Drenka, co-founder and Executive Director of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society, “Their art form nourished the community and encouraged an appreciation for Asian American culture that endures today. We hope that, through this exhibition, their legacy will feed new generations with inspiration for years to come.”
“Leftover” will open for public viewing on the evening of Friday, July 7th, 2023, and the afternoon of Saturday, July 8th, 2023, at the historic Wilson House, located at 2922 Swiss Ave in The Meadows Foundation’s Wilson Historic District campus in Old East Dallas. The exhibition will remain on view through mid-September. Viewings after July 8th can be arranged throughout the summer by appointment.
“We know that Dallas has a rich and complex history, with a wide range of untold stories. Preservation Dallas is committed to making sure those stories are told. We are excited to be able to host this exhibition at the Wilson House this summer, to showcase a part of Dallas history that so many in our city know so little about,” says Norman Alston, President of Preservation Dallas.
To learn more about “Leftover: The Enduring Legacy of Chinese Cuisine in Dallas” and RSVP for the opening, visit dallasasianhistory.org/leftover.
About the Dallas Asian American Historical Society
The Dallas Asian American Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in April 2022 by co-founders Stephanie Drenka and Denise Johnson with a mission to research, preserve, and amplify the legacy of Asian Americans in the Dallas area. Learn more at dallasasianhistory.org.
About Preservation Dallas
Founded in 1972, Preservation Dallas is dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the city’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and places, and to creating a ‘culture of preservation’ in Dallas. The non-profit organization is dedicated to championing initiatives that value the history and culture of places throughout the community, enhancing the quality of life and economic development of Dallas. Preservation Dallas partners with neighborhoods, local and national organizations to document through surveys and research, educate the public, and broker solutions for endangered historic properties.
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