Hmong Rhode Island Association Celebrates Their Community’s Story Through the Art of Pandau
Intricate Tapestries Display the Origins of the Community in Rhode Island and Other Stories
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Join the Rhode Island Historical Society on Saturday, April 13th at 2pm for its annual Goff Lecture featuring members of the Hmong Rhode Island Association exploring the Hmong art form of Pandau.
Speakers will discuss the origins of the Hmong community in Rhode Island and the history, artistry, and importance of Hmong Pandau, intricately embroidered tapestries used to tell stories. Following the speaking portion of the program, guests will enjoy a traditional dance performed by a Hmong dance troupe, showcasing another medium of the community’s storytelling. Guests will also sample traditional Lao food from Thai Lan Xang Restaurant in Johnston, including the Laos national dishes, larb and papaya salad.
Pandaus will be on view from the RIHS collection, as well as from the Hmong Rhode Island Association. Additionally, Hmong artisans will have Pandaus available for purchase.
Registration is limited. Thanks to the support of the Newell D. Goff Lecture fund, tickets are $10 for RIHS members and $15 for nonmembers, and they are available at rihs.org.
This year’s Goff Lecture is inspired by the Rhode Island Historical Society’s 2024 theme Making History, which explores innovation, invention, craft, and creation throughout our state’s history.
Hmong Rhode Island Association Inc. (HRIA) was established in 1978 as a vehicle for Hmong cultural preservation, seeking social and economic advancement, and maintaining prosperity within the Hmong Community in Rhode Island.