What do thrift store donations teach us about race? The traveling exhibit, Sorting Out Race, currently at the Hays Public Library explores that concept to generate discussions about racial stereotypes past and present.
The exhibition created by the Kaufman Museum at Bethel College includes vintage and contemporary objects readily found in thrift stores that include depictions of race and ethnicity. Through a series of interactives and guided discussions, visitors to the exhibit can consider whether these items should remain in circulation or “sorted out” from the retail environment.
A reception will be held August 27th at 5:30 p.m. at The Fox Theatre. Dr. Alex Red Corn will present Which Box Should I Check?: American Indians, Stereotypes, Imagery, and Educational Systems. Following his discussion, attendees are invited to move to the library to view the exhibit. The reception is free and open to the public.
Three additional programs related to the exhibit are scheduled in September.
· The Power of Imagery and the Civil Rights Experience by Ann Dean will be September 12 at 6:00 p.m.
· Unpacking Stereotypes: A Journey through Mexican-American Representation in Thrift Finds and Media by Dr. Marco Macias on September 18 at 6:00 p.m.
· Brown v Board of Education National Historical Park: A Brief History by Jeff Tully on September 24 at 6:00 p.m.
The exhibit supported by Humanities Kansas is on display at the Hays Public Library until September 29th.