The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942–1946 Tour date: May 29 – 11:00 AM
Dorothea Lange was hired by the War Relocation Authority to photograph the Japanese-American internment. Her powerful images, including this picture of dust storm at Manzanar taken in 1942, were not widely seen until long after the war.
The Foggy Bottom Association (
FBA) has made arrangements for a docent-led tour of this informative exhibit. The art of gaman is a Japanese word that means to bear the seemingly unbearable with dignity and patience. The exhibit showcases arts and crafts made by Japanese Americans in U.S. internment camps during World War
II. While in these bleak camps, the internees used scraps and found materials to make furniture and other objects to beautify their surroundings. Arts and crafts became essential for simple creature comforts and emotional survival. The exhibit presents historical context through archival photographs, artifacts, and documentary films.
The tour is free. However, space on the tour is limited so reservations are required. Priority will be given to FBA members; non-members will be included as space permits. Those interested should contact Jackie Lemire at 337‑2167 or jglemire@aol.com. Please provide your name and telephone number.
