Home in a New Place: Making Laos in Morganton, North Carolina

Katy Clune’s photographs depict an immigrant community in Morganton, including the family of Toon Phapphayboun, who escaped Laos by swimming across the Mekong River at age 14. This collection explores three realms essential to the Phapphaybouns’ identity in North Carolina: their home and holiday traditions; the family restaurant; and the Buddhist temple they helped to establish. The photographs will also appear in the Spring 2016 Documentary Arts issue of Southern Cultures. This exhibit is co-sponsored by the Carolina Asia Center, the Department of American Studies, and the Center for Global Initiatives. Please join us for an opening reception at the Love House and Hutchins Forum on February 5th between 5:30 and 7:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public, and Lao food by Raleigh’s Bida Manda will be served.