Spike 150: “Chinaman’s Chance” on Promontory Summit

On May 10, 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was finished after six years of being constructed almost entirely by hand. The final, golden spike was hammered into the last tie at Promontory Summit, Utah. This iconic and transformative event changed life as we know it today. Travel, trade and industry increased across the country as the railroad was completed. This year, the anniversary of the Golden Spike reaches its 150th year and Spike 150 has activities and events planned throughout Utah to celebrate.

One of the main events is artist Zhi Lin’s exhibit “Chinaman’s Chance on Promontory Summit,” which will be showcased at Kimball Arts Center. Lin confronts the lost history of the Chinese workers who built our nation’s transcontinental railroads. Most of the Central Pacific railroad workers who built the railroad from California to the East were Chinese. The exhibition conveys Chinese immigrants’ contribution in building the Transcontinental railroad that most aren’t aware occurred in American history. These immigrants worked under horrible conditions, labored longer hours and received less pay than any of their white counterparts.

The exhibition will be on display from April 19-June 2 with many events in between. Click the links below for more information.

Writing the Names, Remembering the Legacy | April 13 | 10am – 4pm | Free

Community Exhibition Opening | April 19 | 6pm – 8pm | Free

Group Critique Session with Zhi Lin – Painting and Drawing | April 20 | 10am – 12pm | $20

for those registering for a critique; free for other attendees

Evening for Educators | April 25 | 6pm – 9pm | Free

Zhi Lin Artful Afternoon for Kids | April 26 | 1pm – 3:30pm | $30

Golden Spike Artful Afternoon for Kids | May 10 | 1pm – 3:30pm | $30

150th Anniversary of the Golden Spike | May 10

Art, Social Activism, and Immigration: A Panel Discussion | May 11 | Free

Read and Re(View) – Kimball’s Book Club – “The Fortunes” | May 16 | 7pm | Free

Click here to visit the Kimball Art Center website for more information.