This exhibit celebrates and honors the history and legacy of Asian/Asian Americans in the PNW and Spokane. The main exhibit “Searching for Trent Alley: Asian American Footprints in Downtown Spokane” helps us trace the areas of downtown that served as home to vibrant Asian communities beginning in the late-1800s despite discriminatory policies and attitudes at national, regional, and local levels. Racist immigration and land laws limited the development of Asian neighborhoods in Spokane. As Expo ‘74 neared, the Asian population downtown had already begun to disperse, moving businesses to areas that allowed for greater opportunities.

Expo '74's beautification efforts gutted the last surviving remnants of Spokane's Asian community in Trent Alley. Expo Revival honors the space they inhabited and recognizes the decades of contributions from Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and other Asians who came here for work, were integral parts of the community, but whose histories were erased. Their stories remind us of how people and communities from all backgrounds are woven into a city’s foundations and as we move forward, we can reconsider how we acknowledge their impacts.

Continuing the legacy is a companion exhibit titled We Are Made Of Stories, a collection of contemporary artworks submitted by local youths and residents. The opening reception on May 4 (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.), will include speakers, artists talk, Asian arts and crafts vendors, and performances from Seattle Taiko, Chinese Association Dragon Dance, Indian Dance Group, Indian Youth Group, and more!

The exhibits will be on display at Central Library through June 2.

Exhibit viewing times | Monday–Thursday 9am– 7pm | Friday–Saturday 10am– 5pm | Sunday 12– 4pm