In the windows at Silver Eye, 4808 Penn Ave.

August 4 – August 26

Friday August 4, 6-9pm open mic outside Silver Eye at Unblurred

Sunday August 6, 12-3pm Asian American Brunch and Book Swap at Pedantic Arts Residency, 5228 Penn Avenue.

See a new collaborative artwork by artists Lena Chen and Caroline Yoo in Silver Eye’s windows. This exhibition of Korean brocade banners features quotes from notable Asian American authors Min Jin Lee, Ocean Vuong, and Yanyi and highlights themes of struggle, healing, and resilience.

Tag a photo or selfie with the banners using the hashtag #BecauseFreedomPGH for a chance to win one of the books that inspired the artworks. In addition to the Silver Eye window exhibition, Because Freedom, Pedantic will host a window display quoting acclaimed author Cathy Park Hong. Hong’s words –"How do we speak honestly about the Asian American condition - if such a thing exists?"–serve as a powerful invitation for self-reflection and dialogue. Passersby are invited to engage with the artwork by sharing their thoughts in response via a QR code.

On August 4th from 6-8pm, an Open Mic will take place outside Silver Eye during the Unblurred Art Crawl to open the exhibition. On August 6th from 12-3pm, an Asian American Brunch & Book Swap will be hosted at Pedantic Art Residency. RSVP is required for the brunch, and interested attendees can email Lena Chen to secure their spot.

Supported by Pedantic Arts Residency and Duolingo's Community Arts Program.