In conjunction with the exhibit "Material Choices: Bast and Leaf Fiber Textiles in Asia and the Pacific," the Hawaii Handweavers' Hui will be presenting a demonstration and lecture on bast fibers. Members of HHH will spin flax into linen and a table loom will be set up for the public to weave cloth from linen thread. Linen, made of flax, is one of many bast fibers found in the stems of plants used to make fiber and cloth.

At 2:30 p.m. Linda Hee, member of the HHH and a textile expert, will speak on bast fibers, their construction and care. She will also set up a microscope through which the public can view bast, cotton and wool fibers to better see their structure and qualities.

The Hawaii Handweavers' Hui is a non profit organization that encourages and promotes excellence in handweaving by bringing together weavers, spinners, dyers, fiber artists and educators who share the joy and passion of the fiber arts.

Monday, February 17, 2008
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
East West Center Gallery, Burns Hall
1601 East West Rd., Honolulu

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In 1967, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej presented a traditional Thai sala (pavilion) as a gift to the East-West Center.  Due to age and climate conditions, the original sala has been replaced by a beautiful new structure, made of hard woods and elaborately carved. Its proper name, Pratinang Patiharn Tasanai, means "Throne of the Miracle Vision."

The sala is a rich cultural symbol of Thailand, commonly used as shelter from rain and heat, for quiet conversation, for study and contemplation.

This structure was designed by National Artist Dr. Pinyo Suwankiri, crafted in Thailand, and reassembled on this site by Thai artisans. On behalf of His Majesty, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will officially dedicate this new sala. The ceremony will include a classic Thai dance, as well as traditional Hawaiian hula.

Sartuday, March 1, 2008
10: 30 a.m.
Adjacent to Imin Center-Jerfferson Hall
1777 East West Road

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This event is FREE and OPEN to the public. Parking is $3, payable at the Parking Kiosk as you enter the campus. For more information, contact ewcinfo@eastwestcenter.org

A performance

These eleven musicians and dancers are select performers from the Fine Arts Department, the official performing arts ensemble of the Royal Thai Government in Bangkok. Their concerts at the East-West Center coincide with the visit of HRH Princess Maha Chakra Sirindhorn and the dedication of the Royal Sala Thai at East-West Center. The repertoire will include classical and folk styles from the diverse regions of Thailand, including the impressive Khon mask dance.

Saturday, March 1, 2008, 8:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 2008, 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Imin Center-Jefferson Hall, East West Center
General Admission: $15
Students, seniors, military: $12

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Building Understanding Between the United States and the Asian Muslim World
June 8 - 28, 2008
Honolulu, Hawaii; plus study tour to Asia or US mainland

The Senior Journalists Seminar is a dialogue, travel and exchange program for journalists from the United States and Asian countries with substantial Muslim populations, specifically Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The seminar offers an opportunity for senior writers, reporters, editors, columnists and producers to engage their peers on issues in the relationships between these Asian countries and the United States, especially since 9/11.

Study Tour for Asian Journalists: Washington, DC; New York City; Colorado Springs, Colorado (The program opens and concludes in Honolulu, Hawaii, for joint sessions between Asian and American participants.)

Study Tour for American Journalists: Kolkata (Calcutta), India; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (The program opens and concludes in Honolulu, Hawaii, for joint sessions between Asian and American participants.)

Sponsored by the East West Center. For more information, contact JournalismFellowship@eastwestcenter.org

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