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Workshop: Tongan Kupesi Art

Tuesday, 5/31/2022
4:30 - 5:30
Mix: Read/Write/Study - 2nd Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Learn the patterns and designs of the Tongan Kupesi (motifs and symbols) printed and drawn on ngatu (tapa cloth). Each kupesi has a meaning, a history and place of origin which tells the place of origin of the ngatu and its makers. Often the kupesi drawn into a piece of ngatu marks historical events and co-relates to Tongan cosmology, seasons and the environment. Use provided acrylic paint in a guided art activity. For ages 13–18. 

Evelyn “Tracy” Williams, is a muralist, art workshop facilitator and volunteer for Ikuna, a community organization that supports, promotes and celebrates Pacific Islander youth and community success in Oakland, California. Her creative work is greatly influenced by Pasifika culture, wholesome conversations, nature, life experiences, community organizers and youth.

After serving a full-time mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in South Auckland, New Zealand, she pursued the arts in Salt Lake City, Utah. Opening some of Salt Lake City’s first Pasifika art events at Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and Veteran’s Affairs Hospital, Tracy served as a member for the following organizations: SLC Mural Festival committee, Diversity Council at the Veteran’s Affairs hospital and PEAU (Pasifika Enriching Arts of Utah). After visiting with family and friends in 2021, Williams won first place at Oakland's Art Clash. As a result, she decided to move back home and partner with phenomenal local art organizations to create wholesome and productive youth art projects in the Oakland Unified School district. She is currently working on a mural with the Asian Pacific Island club at Elmhurst Middle School in East Oakland and will lead an art workshop for a youth retreat in Hawaii of July 2022.

Instagram - Tracy Williams

Creative Arts

Exercise your power of imagination with programs that encourage hands-on projects for adults. For craft programs, all materials are provided, unless noted.

AANHPI Interest

Weaving Stories: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Interest
Connect with AANHPI heritage with programs and workshops, book recommendations and more.

Weaving Stories is the Library's celebration of the many diverse histories and cultures from Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

Make + Do

Find inspiration through craft programs featuring talented artists, makers and even your local librarians. For craft programs, all materials are provided, unless noted.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.