‘Threads of Belonging’: Weavers from Hmong, Palestinian and Filipino communities bring mural to south Sacramento library
8-foot by 30-foot mural now up on Valley Hi-North Laguna library building
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A hand-woven work of art is now on display at south Sacramento’s Valley Hi North-Laguna Library.
Artists, local officials and people from the community came together Monday to celebrate the installation of the new Threads of Belonging mural.
The 8-foot by 30-foot mural went up on the on the library building after about six months of work.
Project creators say the mural reflects the themes of memory, migration, resilience, and belonging.
It was crafted by about 40 weavers from various cultural backgrounds after several workshops were held to discuss the project.
“The project blends three different cultures. Hmong, Palestinian and Filipino, and textiles are such an important part of our cultural heritage and our sense of belonging and place,” explained artist Pachia L. Vang, who along with Jamie P. Cardenas and Ren Allathkani created the design. “We wanted to put that up in a public way, in a big way, so that people can all see the great diversity here in south Sacramento.”
Project coordinators say the mural was paid for by community contributions, grants and fundraising efforts.
“The project is supported by the city but is not city-funded,” a statement about the project on the city of Sacramento’s website read. “To support placement of the mural on City property, the Office of Arts and Culture is partnering with the District 8 Council Office through the Art in Public Places program. City staff have provided planning, permitting and licensing support for the installation.”
The mural is weather-resistant, and it will be in place for the next two years.