A unique, 5-foot by 5-foot Hmong Story Cloth — utilizing the centuries-old Pan Daub tapestry tradition that features 22 stitches per inch — will be dedicated to the School of Education and Human Development at California State University, Fresno today, Thursday, May 13, at 2 p.m.

The dedication ceremony will include festive dancing by the Walters Elementary School Hmong and Lao Dancers, and presentations by Dr. Paul Shaker, dean of education.

The tapestry, woven by Ma Vue, an artist who displays her work at the Stone Soup Culture Store, graphically depicts her life’s stories including the Vietnam War, detention camps, and her journey to the US.

Hmong Story Cloths are traditional tapestries in the Hmong culture but are usually smaller, said Dan Griffin, a member of the Stone Soup board of directors who purchased the cloth from Vue and donated it to the university.

Robert Monke, associate dean of education, said the tapestry is part of plans by the school to promote the region’s various ethnic cultures and will hang in the Education Building’s Atrium.

WHAT Hmong Story Cloth Dedication

WHEN 2:00 to 2:45 p.m.

WHERE California State University, Fresno Education Building:

Dancers — front of Education Bldg. (off Maple and Shaw Ayes.). Dedication — Atrium downstairs/Ed. Bldg. (student lounge)

NOTE: Immediately following the dancers, the participants will proceed downstairs for the dedication. Entire event should take about 30-45 minutes.

CONTACTS Robert Monke, 278-0205

Dan Griffin, 278-0839

Kathy Garabed, Stone Soup 224-7613