'Hidden Treasures' Exhibit Travels to San Francisco
After a succesful run in Washington, D.C. that drew 215,000 visitors, the exhibit "Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures of the National Museum, Kabul" will be opening at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California on October 24. The exhibit features 228 stunning artifacts dating back almost 4,000 years that tell of Afghanistan's diverse history and its brave people.
In celebration of the exhibit, a number of other events and programs will take place in the Bay Area in late October, including the following:
• The San Francisco Public Library's "One City One Book" program is highlighting Tamim Ansary's memoir, "West of Kabul, East of New York: An Afghan American Story," in which he tells of a life spent navigating both Afghan and American cultures.
• Throughout the month of October the San Francisco Public Library will host four movies about Afghanistan -- "Osama" (October 9), "Charlie Wilson's War" (October 16), "The Kite Runner" (October 23) and "The Beauty Academy of Kabul" (October 30). 12 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin Street
• From October 11 to January 18, photographer Joseph Hoyt will display his stunning images of Afghanistan at the San Francisco Public Library in an exhibit titled "Afghanistan 1970-1975: Images from an Era of Peace." Main Library, Sixth Floor Skylight Gallery, 100 Larkin Street
• On October 15, the San Francisco Public Library will host a discussion titled "Rebuilding Afghanistan: Literary, Artistic and Cultural Endeavors." The discussion will feature author Tamim Ansary; Mo Qayoumi, president of California State University: East Bay; UC Berkeley professor Wali Ahmadi; photographer Joseph N. Hoyt; and Humaira Ghilzai, president of Afghan Friends Network. 6:30 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library,
100 Larkin Street
• On October 19, learn more about Afghan culture at "Knitting for Afghanistan: Show and Tell and Learn." Learn how and why Bay Area residents and students are volunteering to knit for the people of Afghanistan. Enjoy slides from Afghanistan; show and tell about your own knitted blankets and garments bound for Afghanistan; see examples of authentic Afghan knitting styles; hang out and knit for the afternoon. 2-4:30 p.m., Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room B, 100 Larkin Street
• On October 24, go to the Asian Art Museum for the official opening of the exhibit "Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures of the National Museum, Kabul." The exhibit is open until January 25, 2009. 200 Larkin Street
• On October 25, join National Geographic Fellow and exhibit curator Fredrich Hierbert for a discussion on Afghanistan's cultural heritage. 2:30 p.m., Samsung Hall, 200 Larkin Street
