Fly to Freedom:

The Art of the Golden Venture Refugees

June 8 to September 30, 2001

From June 6 through September 30, 2001, the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building hosted "Fly to Freedom: The Art of the Golden Venture Refugees," a traveling exhibition produced by the New York-based Museum of Chinese in the Americas (MoCA).

In June 1993 the Golden Venture ship wrecked off the coast of New York City. Among the nearly 300 passengers were many who had left their homes in China to make passage to the United States. Fifty-two of the refugees were sent to York County Prison in Pennsylvania and were held there for nearly four years. During their imprisonment, the refugees made more than 10,000 paper sculptures.

This exhibit featured 25 of these works of folded paper and papier-mâché art. Visitors learned the story of the ship and her passengers, and the outcome of the refugees' struggles. Five of the artists represented in the show received approval for U.S. residency on the basis of "extraordinary artistic ability."

The exhibit was supported by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support was provided by The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and members of MoCA.

The Museum of Chinese in the Americas in New York City is dedicated to reclaiming, preserving and interpreting the history and culture of Chinese and their descendants in the Western Hemisphere.