Immigration Stories

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Lex250, the highly anticipated Immigration Storytelling and Art Exhibition is now open at Cary Library from May 24 to June 14, with a reception and award ceremony on May 30th from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Thanks to the tremendous support from our 11 sponsoring organizations, we have successfully installed all 27 paintings and some of the 16 written pieces received from talented local artists and writers.

These powerful submissions cover the diverse experiences of Chinese, Indian, Ukrainian, Afghan, and other immigrant communities, with a focus on highlighting AAPI voices. The contributors range from ages 6/7 to over 80, offering a rich tapestry of immigration stories spanning multiple continents including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

We extend our gratitude to the Chinese American Association of Lexington, Lexington Arts Council, Mass Cultural Council, Lexington Lyceum Advocates, Indian Americans of Lexington, Japanese Support Group of Lexington, Association of Black Citizens of Lexington, Lexington Historical Society, Munroe Center for the Arts, Lexington Human Rights Committee, and Cary Library for their invaluable contributions in PR, judging, organizing, and providing the exhibition venue.

The exhibition showcases powerful artistic expressions through paintings, written pieces, and multimedia displays that capture the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of immigrants in our community. Come explore this remarkable collection honoring their journeys.

All remaining written pieces and competition results will continue to be showcased on our event website and in the library in the coming days. We invite you to explore these captivating works online and visit the exhibition at Cary Library until June 14 to experience them in person.

Please share your thoughts and reflections on this celebration of our town’s cultural diversity by sending your comments to exu@caal-ma.org.

Unveil this remarkable collection of artistic expressions honoring the resilience and journeys of immigrants in our community, with a spotlight on AAPI Heritage Month.

We are excited to announce that the Lexington Lyceum Advocate has joined as a co-sponsor for our upcoming Immigration Story Art Exhibition and Storytelling Event. The Lyceum’s mission to promote lifelong learning and “explore connections to contemporary social justice” resonates deeply with this celebration of diverse immigrant narratives in our community.

Additionally, we are honored to welcome Kathleen Dalton as a judge for the written story submissions. Dalton, best known for her 2002 work “Theodore Roosevelt: A Strenuous Life,” brings invaluable literary expertise honed over a career spanning history teaching, academic roles, and consulting with institutions like the National Park Service and Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

With the Lyceum Advocates’ co-sponsorship and Dalton’s participation, this event will create an “inclusive and intercultural space” envisioned in their mission. We look forward to showcasing powerful visual and literary works capturing the resilience, hopes, and journeys of immigrants who now call Lexington home.

Together, we will build a vibrant and brilliant community of red, white, and blue!

As a prelude to Lexington’s 250th anniversary celebration, the Lexington Council for the Arts (LCA) and Chinese American Association Lexington (CAAL) are inviting residents to submit writings and paintings depicting the immigrant experience – an important part of the town’s history.

This celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing a platform for powerful stories of courage, resilience, and pursuing the American dream.

Submission categories are: Children (12 and under), Youth (13-17), and Adults for both writing (under 2000 words) and painting (11×14, 12×16, or 16×20 inches).

A panel will judge all entries due by May 1st. Winning works will be featured at a public exhibition and storytelling event in late May during AAPI and Jewish American Heritage Month.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Xu ( exu@caal-ma.org ) or visit http://caal-ma.org/immigrationstories. Check back frequently for the latest announcements and updates on this event celebrating Lexington’s immigrant history and culture.