My recent train trip into L.A. had me wandering through several small museums lining the Olvera Street Plaza, one housing a fantastic Dia de Los Muertos art gallery. Day of the Dead is generally known here as a Mexican celebration, so I was surprised to find a Vietnamese exhibit at the Pico House Gallery. Artist Trinh Mai‘s tribute to the Boat People of Vietnam, entitled Sacred Memories, was very personal, powerful and emotional. The tea bags – oh, they’re so sad.
I remember well the Vietnam War years, the tragic loss of life, the impact on both sides of the ocean, and the journey of the Boat People. Many thousands were settled in Southern California’s Orange County. The community is so well integrated it’s hard to imagine times before they arrived. Vietnamese Pho is one of my favorite soups. I generally end each workweek (TGIF) with Pho at my favorite local family-owned restaurant. The aroma can sooth like nothing else!
I photographed Trinh Mai’s exhibit along with the information cards so I could read the stories again. The cards are included in this photo gallery; each card precedes the work in reference. Click on pictures to view full size. ~SueBee (photos by SueBee)
SueBee and Kat 
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your web site provided us with valuable info tto workk on. You have done a formidable job and our whole community will be thnkful to you.
I loved reading this and seeing the images of her story. I remember hearing a great deal about the boat people back then. Many of the Vietnamese people who escaped ended up on the coast of Texas near where I live. I was here during the seventies and knew about their struggles here too. Thank you for such a wonderful post.
Very cool! I love the artwork, and it was a good idea to document it. If you haven’t done so already, you should forward your post on to the museum and artist. I love pho, too!
Thanks for the comments, Alison. I tagged the artist on our Facebook page, but agree, will forward link to both. Good idea!