Smiley Library to Host Central Asian Exhibit by Don McCue - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Smiley Library to Host Central Asian Exhibit

By Don McCue, Community Writer
August 21, 2014 at 09:18am. Views: 84

Images, artifacts and impressions collected by photographer and journalist Penny Schwartz from her travels through Central Asia are now on display in the Assembly Room at A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands. Entitled My Silk Road, the exhibit includes 20 dramatic color images, along with artifacts such as a rare Turkmen wedding hat and jewelry, Kyrgyz skull caps and a pair of Uzbek puppets. "In 2004, my husband Leon and I traveled through the storied lands of Central Asia, following the path of ancient traders along what came to be known as the Silk Road," said Schwartz. "This east-west trade route flourished for about eight centuries, beginning in 100 BC, and ran from Xian, China, to what is now Istanbul, Turkey. Our journey took us from Istanbul to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. In addition to all of the fascinating landscapes and architecture, the people of the regions we traveled through, and their cultural traditions remain with me." A native New Yorker, Schwartz graduated from New York University. Travel has always been a pivotal part of her life. After spending several years in Chicago, she and her husband settled in Redlands in the early 1970s, where she raised two children and earned her master's degree in English Literature from the University of Redlands. She has been a freelance writer in the areas of arts, theater, restaurants and travel for more than 30 years and has also taught journalism and English as a second language. "I've known Penny for years and am familiar with her work," said library director Don McCue. "When Penny and her collaborator, longtime local curator Michelle Nielsen, came to me with an exhibit proposal, I thought the library’s patrons would enjoy seeing some of Penny's material." Visitors interested in viewing the exhibit can access the assembly room between 1 and 5 p.m. every day of the week, with the exception of when groups are meeting in the room. "The library’s assembly room is in high demand as both a meeting space and exhibition area," said McCue. To be certain that the exhibit is accessible during a specific time, the public is encouraged to call 909-798-7565 during normal library hours. The display will be available through Sept. 14.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

September 29, 2026 at 10:13am. Views: 1241

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra celebrates its founding in style with a Roaring Twenties-themed gala fundraiser on October 17 at 5p.m. The orchestra invites supporters to celebrate the community, music, and legacy it has built over nearly a century.

Photo Courtesy of: Colton Joint Unified School District

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 436

Music students at Colton High School will soon enjoy a larger space with more storage, practice rooms, better acoustics and better space for creating, learning and performing. Construction on the Buildings is Set to Start in 2027

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:05am. Views: 1060

State, Local Education Leaders Highlight Nearly $162 Million in CalKIDS Scholarships Available to San Bernardino County Students.

Photo Courtesy of: CIty News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 725

An October 2026 study from Loma Linda University suggests a simple dietary change may influence inflammation-related measures in older adults. A bowl of walnuts sits alongside a nutritious breakfast, illustrating the everyday dietary choice examined in Loma Linda University research.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:28pm. Views: 553

San Bernardino Drug Take Back Day 2026, prescription medication disposal, San Bernardino Police Department, October 24, medication safety, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Community collection efforts offer families a convenient way to remove unwanted prescription drugs from their homes while promoting public safety and protecting the environment.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI-generated illustrations

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:24pm. Views: 389

Long before modern freeways reshaped the Inland Empire, the railroad helped establish San Bernardino as a transportation center. Trains brought passengers, goods, workers and new business opportunities into the region, connecting a growing Southern California community with destinations across the country.

Photo Courtesy of: California Historical Society Collection, USC Libraries Special Collections.

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:22pm. Views: 507

As Redlands continues to grow, its surviving citrus groves offer a living connection to the industry that shaped the city's neighborhoods, economy and identity. Orange trees heavy with fruit line a grove in Redlands around 1900, with snow-covered Mount San Bernardino visible in the distance. The photograph documents the citrus industry that played a central role in the city's early development.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:19pm. Views: 761

The City of Redlands will host Plane-or-Treat at Redlands Municipal Airport on October 25, featuring trick-or-treating, entertainment and family activities. An AI-generated illustration

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 782

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustration

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 418

Moreno Valley is preparing to celebrate one of Mexico's most meaningful cultural traditions with an evening dedicated to remembrance, family and community.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustration

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 409

Moreno Valley Unified School District is continuing its parent education efforts with an October workshop focused on social-emotional learning, positive behavior and bullying prevention.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustrations

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 523

A new chapter in Moreno Valley's cultural development is taking shape as the city introduces residents to its Museum & ArtSpace, a destination intended to bring visual art, creative experiences and community engagement into greater focus.

--> -->