The Arts of Laos: Silk Weaving, 1982

A page from a pamphlet for The Arts of Laos: Silk Weaving project.

The pamphlet reads:

In the spring of 1982 the Portland Metropolitan Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts funded a project for Lao weavers sponsored by the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts and coordinated by Kham One Keopraseuth, a Lao community liaison who sees his role as bridging the gap between Lao artists and mainstream American culture. The goal of this project is both to educate the host community to weaving in Lao culture and to help the Lao community itself in maintaining its cultural traditions. Specifically the project made it possible for two Lao weavers to practice their craft and to share their skills with others. This brochure seeks to show some of the wealth of artistic tradition that the Lao community has brought to Portland.

In Portland today the Lao community is attempting to find its place in a new culture without losing vital connections with their traditional culture-their roots. The practice and appreciation of Lao art can become a living bridge between the two cultures. In practical terms, weaving can bring in extra income, but it can also be a means towards reviving a mutual support network within the community. These special skills are a common bond among the Lao and in sharing them they can make new bonds with others.

View the full pamphlet in Efiles by clicking here .

https://efiles.portlandoregon.gov/record/17318514