People First Language offers humane ways to refer to members of the nation's largest minority group

This article comes from the spring 2011 Wyoming Arts Council Artscapes newsletter set for an April 29 pub date. It was contributed by WAC staffer Marirose Morris. As Arts Access Specialist, Marirose oversees several grant programs and 504/ADA guidelines. Contact her at the WAC at 307-777-7742.

A person’s self-image is tied to the words used about him/her. People First Language was started by individuals who said, “We are not our disabilities!”

People First Language puts the person before the disability, and describes what a person has, not who a person is. Are you “cancerous” or do you have cancer? Is a person “handicapped/disabled” or does he/she “have a disability?” Using a diagnosis as a defining characteristic reflects prejudice, and robs the person of the opportunity to define him/herself.

People with disabilities comprise the nation’s largest minority group. It is also the most inclusive: all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic levels are represented, and anyone can join it, at any time.

Say:	Instead of:
Children/adults with a disability	Handicapped, disabled, special needs
S/he has a cognitive disability	S/he is mentally retarded
S/he has Down syndrome	S/he’s mongoloid/Down’s
S/he has autism	An autistic person
S/he has a learning disability	S/he is learning disabled
S/he is deaf	The deaf
S/he has a speech disorder	Mute
S/he is blind, has a visual impairment	The blind
S/he has epilepsy	An epileptic
S/he uses a wheelchair	Wheelchair bound
S/he walks with a assistive device	A cripple
S/he is a little person	Dwarf or midget
People without disabilities	Normal or healthy people
Accessible parking, hotel rooms, etc.	Handicapped parking, hotel rooms, etc.

VDAY Jackson 2011 presents three benefit performances of "The Vagina Monologues"

VDAY JACKSON 2011 presents a benefit production of The Vagina Monologues

Sponsored by Riot Act Theatre Company and Off Square Theatre Company

April 12,13,14 at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre in the Center for the Arts. VDAY Jackson will present a three-night benefit for VDAY International and valley non-profits working to support victims of domestic violence. This year's event includes three performances of Eve Ensler's award winning play, The Vagina Monologues, featuring an all-new cast. Tickets are available in advance at Valley Books and online at www.riotactinc.org for $12, and at the door the evening of the performance for $15.

As a special bonus this year after each evening's performance, the women of Jackson will be welcome to take the stage and share their story, through music, prose, original monologues or a simple shout out.

This is the third event presented by the woman of Teton Valley and we are so grateful to our communities for their support. We hope the community we join us again this year as we raise awareness about our endeavors to end violence against women and girls and money to support victims of domestic violence.

Jill Callaway, Jackson Community Theater, 307-690-8573, 307-733-7925, jill.callaway@gmail.com

Take Back the Night at UW features entertainment by Patti Fiasco and The Bettys

Patti Fiasco and The Bettys will provide the entertainment for the Take Back the Night rally on Tuesday, April 12, 4-7 p.m., at the University of Wyoming Union in Laramie. All ages free. More info here

Take Back the Night is the annual community march and rally that encourages community members to come together and take a stand against sexual violence. We march through the streets as a way of reclaiming that territory as a safe space for both women and men.

Sponsors of the event include: Women’s Action Network, SAFE Project, STOP Violence, ASUW, Soroptimist, Queer Advocacy Network, Interfraternity & Panhellenic Councils, Rainbow Resource Center, Women's Center, & the Gender & Women’s Studies Department.

Wyoming PBS and UW hold free screenings April 20 of new film about the Civil Rights struggle

UPDATE: Handmade for Japan eBay auction

Wyomingarts has been tracking arts-oriented fund-raisers for the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. One Cheyenne artist and teacher, Connie Kazuko Norman, will be part of a Handmade for Japan auction on eBay. Here is the most recent information from Connie:

I sure many of have already heard of Handmade For Japan.  It is the brainchild of Ayumi Horie, and her friends, Ai Kanazawa Cheung and Kathryn Pombriant Manzella.  Handmade For Japan is an on-line benefit auction for the Japanese victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.  I am honored to be one of the artists that are contributing to the cause.  As many of you know that I am half Japanese and I have many relatives that live in Tokyo.  I have been lucky enough to have study ceramics in Japan as well.  My Japanese heritage has always very important to me. The people of Japan really need help with disaster relief.

The auction will be held next Thursday, March 24th, 8pm EST to Sunday, March 27th, 8pm EST on eBay and they will have assured bids so check in early. Right now Handmade For Japan has a public Facebook page where a previewing of items before the auction. Even if you're not on Facebook, you can see the items. Please help us get the word out so that we can reach our goal of raising more than $25,000. 100% of the proceeds will be given to Global Giving’s Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

The collection has grown to over 90 artists, many with well-known and respected names, and you will be astonished how many wonderful pieces of art that has been donated for the cause. 

Ayumi and her friends have been working tirelessly toward this event.  I have been amazed at every update.  Thank you guys for all your hard work!

Here are some of the media coverage we got in the last week, The New York Times, and American Craft Magazine.

"Kenyan Expressions" reception Feb. 26 at Community Fine Arts Center in Rock Springs

A reception for Wyoming photographer Mike Conaway's "Kenyan Expressions" exhibit will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m., at the Community Fine Arts Center, 400 C Street in Rock Springs. The event is free and open to the public.

The reception includes a presentation about the school being built in Kenya with the help of Wyoming educators.

FMI: 307-362-6212

LCCC plans flurry of events leading up to March 29 visit by author and activist Greg Mortenson

Laramie County Community College sends out this updated list of activities the school has planned for the run-up to author Greg Mortenson’s March 29 visit:

Tuesday, March 22.       

·       MOVIE: 12:00-2:00 in the student lounge. Charlie Wilson’s War  (popcorn and snacks will be provided).

·       PUBLIC DISCUSSION: 6:30-8:00pm in CCI 129/130 (The Centennial Room). Prints of Central Asia: Peggy Kelsey’s Afghan Women’s Project.

o      An exhibit of Ms. Kelsey’s prints will go up in the Ludden Library in early February.

o     A reception in the library will follow Ms. Kelsey’s talk on March 22

Wednesday, March 23.

·       ETHNIC LUNCH: 12:00-1:00pm in CCI 1219/130 (The Centennial Room).

·       ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: 1:00-3:00pm in CCI 1219/130 (The Centennial Room).  Dr. Marianne Kamp, Dr. Mohammed Salih and Arshi Nisley will discuss Women and Islam: Confronting Misconceptions.

Thursday, March 24.

·       MOVIE: 12:00-2:00 in the student lounge. The Kite Runner (popcorn and snacks will be provided)

Friday, March 25:

·       BOOK DISCUSSION: 12:30-1:30pm. Discussion of Greg Mortneson’s book  Three Cups of Tea and/or Stones into Schools.  Students interested in participating should contact Jennifer McVay for information and to make arrangements.

LCCC students will be visiting local schools to discuss Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea. Where appropriate they will also be discussing the children’s edition Listen to the Wind.

Instructors at LCCC have integrated readings from Mr. Mortenson’s books into course curriculum.

The LCCC Ludden Library will be creating displays that look at life in Central Asia.

Finally, we hope to have LCCC students prepare poster presentations that examine different aspects of life in Central Asia.

FMI: David Marcum, LCCC Instructor of Political Science and Director of Government Studies and International Studies, 307.778.1220.

Questions that relate to Greg Mortenson’s actual visit on March 29 should be directed to the LCCC Foundation at http://www.lccc.cc.wy.us/

"African American Life in Wyoming" exhibit at State Museum through March 31

In celebration of Black History Month, the Wyoming State Museum is featuring “African American Life in Wyoming,” a traveling exhibit on display through March 31.

Produced by the State Museum and State Archives, this photographic exhibit explores the daily life and many contributions of African Americans in Wyoming.

African Americans have long been a part of Wyoming’s history. The vast wilderness and natural resources of the frontier initially attracted mountain men, adventurers, and fur traders like James Beckwourth and Edward Rose.

Following the Civil War, blacks migrated west in search of better economic, social and political opportunities. Once here, they organized social organizations and cultural activities. They became homesteaders, cowboys, soldiers, businessmen, miners and politicians.

This photographic exhibit explores the daily life and many contributions of African Americans in Wyoming.

To inquire about this and other traveling exhibits available to museums, libraries, schools and other cultural institutions throughout Wyoming, please contact the Wyoming State Museum at 777-7022.

Call for entries: PEN American Center

The PEN American Center, the U.S. branch of the world’s oldest international literary and human rights organization, annually awards over $100,000 in literary awards, including the $5,000 PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship to an author working on a piece of children's or young-adult fiction. This fellowship honors a writer whose work is of high literary caliber, but who may not yet have attracted a broad readership, to pursue long-term or book-length projects that might not otherwise be possible. Eligible writers have two published works and must be nominated by PEN members. Click here for full guidelines and nomination procedures. Deadline Feb. 3.

"Decade of Diversity Through Dialogue" at UW

http://www.mlkdod.com

"Brokeback Mountain" goes "Beyond Brokeback" at the Autry in L.A. Dec. 11

The Autry in L.A. describes itself as "California’s only museum and cultural center dedicated to the history, art, and stories of the American West. Located in Griffith Park, the Autry features special exhibitions, lively programs, and hands-on activities for kids." While the Autry isn't exactly commuting distance from Wyoming, it is interesting to note that one-time Wyoming resident Annie Proulx wrote the story that started it all. "Brokeback Mountain" was in her collection Close Range: Wyoming Stories, with color illustrations (in the hardcover first edition) by noted Denver artist William Matthews. Annie also shared the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for the film, now celebrating the fifth anniversary of its release. According to Variety mag, New York's City Opera had plans for a "Brokeback Mountain" opera until the 2008 economic collapse -- and the departure of its artistic director -- caused it to shelve the project.

UW Social Justice Research Center presents free public lecture on nonviolence by Gandhi's grandson

From a University of Wyoming press release:

The grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Arun Gandhi, peace activist and proponent of nonviolence, will speak at the University of Wyoming Tuesday, Nov. 16, as part of the UW Social Justice Research Center's semester speaker series.

His free public lecture, "Lessons Learned from My Grandfather: Non-violence in a Violent World," -- offering firsthand insights into one of history's most influential leaders -- is from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts main stage.
"We are excited to have Mr. Gandhi here at the University of Wyoming. At a time of such contentious societal dialogue around the war in Afghanistan, immigration reform and restrictions, and even the meaning of social justice, a voice of peace and civility is much needed," says Francisco Rios, UW Social Justice Research Center director and head of the Department of Educational Studies.

Few names in world history evoke such powerful images of integrity, courage, social harmony and -- perhaps most of all -- hope, than Gandhi. Arun Gandhi carries within himself the same guiding principles as his grandfather, the legendary peace-maker and spiritual leader.

Growing up in apartheid South Africa as a person of Indian heritage meant racial confrontations with both blacks and whites. Filled with rage and plotting to avenge his beatings, Arun Gandhi subscribed to Charles Atlas' bodybuilding magazines so he would have the strength to fight back. When his parents discovered the reason for their 12-year-old son's sudden fascination with exercise, they decided that a visit to his grandfather in India was in order.

What followed was an 18-month stay with one of the world's great leaders that would give him the keys to the powerful philosophy of nonviolence and help shape the foundation for his life's work.

After leading successful projects for economic and social reform in India, Arun Gandhi came to the United States in 1987 to complete research for a comparative study on racism in America. In 1991, Gandhi and his late wife, Sunanda, founded the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, now headquartered at the University of Rochester, N.Y. The institute promotes nonviolence through workshops, lectures and community outreach programs.

UW's Social Justice Research Center, Indian Student Association and the Department of Theatre and Dance sponsor the talk. For more information, call the UW Social Justice Research Center at (307) 766-3422.

Photo: Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, will discuss "Lessons Learned from My Grandfather: Non-violence in a Violent World," from 4-5:30 p.m. Nov. 16, in the Fine Arts main stage.

Spirit of Coyote tells tale of Ernestine Shuswap

From a University of Wyoming press release:

The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance continues its 2010-2011 production season with "Ernestine Shuswap Gets Her Trout." Tomson Highway's sly and dark comedy depicts four First Nations women as they prepare for the 1910 visit of the Canadian prime minister to their traditional lands.

Directed by Professor of Theatre Rebecca Hilliker, "Ernestine Shuswap Gets Her Trout," runs Oct. 26-30 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center Studio Theatre. Tickets cost $14 for the public, $11 for senior citizens and $7 for students. For tickets and information, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts .

A post-show discussion will be held in conjunction with the performance Thursday, Oct. 28.

Drawing directly from the Laurier Memorial, a deposition signed by 14 chiefs of the Thompson River Valley, "Ernestine Shuswap Gets Her Trout" is a vivid and gripping examination of the cultural genocide of the Shuswap Nation of British Columbia. Celebrated playwright and novelist Tomson Highway is widely recognized for his tremendous contribution to the development of Aboriginal theater in both Canada and around the world. In 1994, he was inducted into the Order of Canada, the first Aboriginal writer to be so honored.

"'Ernestine Shuswap' is one of the most compelling plays about social issues that I have seen in a long while," said Hilliker. "It's really a poignant piece, and it raises issues that we really need to talk about in this country."

Written in the spirit of Coyote, in "Trickster language," the women argue, joke, rant and grieve together, the hysterically comic spilling over into the unutterably tragic and back again.

"It's ironic that in the U.S. we talk about other countries needing to own up to cultural and literal genocide, and the results of colonialism, but we still deny these realities in our own history," noted Hilliker.

"We think that these conversations are over, but they've never really happened. Plays like ‘Ernestine' can help to bridge that gap," she added.

Photo: Noelia Antweiler, left, and Brittany Byers perform in the University of Wyoming production "Ernestine Shuswap Gets Her Trout." Performances at the Fine Arts Studio Theatre will be Oct. 26-30 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 2 p.m.

Amnesty International Film Festival at UW Oct. 23

The Amnesty International Film Festival, featuring short and full-length film on issues of human rights worldwide, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23, in Laramie. Many films are award winners. Schedule includes "ICYIZERE: hope" (2008) that is also showing in Casper and Jackson. Refreshments provided. Time TBA (start about 10 AM or Noon) into the evening, Classroom Bldg Rm. 129, UW Campus. Info: Conor, cmullen@uwyo.edu. Free.

Seattle jazz band Jubilee and UW a capella group The Bettys perform at UW Sept. 24-25

Seattle-based band, Jubilee, will team with the Bettys, UW's women's a capella group, Saturday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture auditorium to raise awareness about what ordinary citizens can do to fight human trafficking.

Jubilee will also perform an evening of Brazilian jazz with UW performers from the Luso Brazilian Club and UW music professor Rubia Santos at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at The Gardens in the lower level of the Wyoming Union.

Both performances are free and open to the public and are funded by ASUW.

Jubilee is a collective of five abolitionists/musicians who use the stage and merchandise table to raise awareness and funds to fight modern slavery and support those recovering from its effects. Jubilee strives to be a mouthpiece for the millions of human beings under the bondage of modern slavery.

Jubilee spokesperson Curtis Romjue said 27 million men, women and children around the world are forced to lead lives as slaves. Although this exploitation is often not called slavery, the conditions are the same. People are sold like objects, forced to work for little or no pay and are at the mercy of their 'employers'.

Sponsors for the UW event include ASUW, Amnesty International, the Good Mule Project, Wyoming Law Students for Equal Justice, the UW Provost's Office, Campus Ventures, the Luso Brazilian Club and the UW Women's Studies Program.

Questions about Jubilee's UW visit can be directed to Mark Peterson at markpete@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-2054. Romjue can be contacted at (903) 472-9092 or visit http://www.livejubilee.org/ and www.myspace.com/livejubilee.

Photo: Seattle-based band, Jubilee, will team with the Bettys, UW's women's a capella group, Saturday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in the College of Agriculture Auditorium to raise awareness about what ordinary citizens can do to fight human trafficking.

Wyoming Humanities Council launches "Civility Matters" initiative at Heart Mountain site

From a SPCR press release:

A year-long initiative, sponsored by the Wyoming Humanities Council, titled “Civility Matters,” kicks off at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center near Powell Saturday, September 18 at 11:15 a.m.


Featured at the event is National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jim Leach and Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, a board member of the Heart Mountain, Wyoming Foundation.

Following the kick-off of “Civility Matters,” Leach and Simpson will also participate in “A Conversation on Civility with NEH Chairman Leach and Senator Alan Simpson” at Northwest College in Powell at 1 p.m.

Two journalism and political science students will interview Leach and Simpson with the session introduced by Northwest College President Paul Prestwich and moderated by faculty member Lou McPhail. The public is welcome.

Leach, a long-time Republican Congressman from Iowa, who became head of the NEH in August 2009, will provide a major address, “Civility in a Fractured Society,” at 7:30 p.m., that evening at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody. Both events are free and open to the public.

The events coincide with Leach’s 50-state “American Civility Tour.” Additionally, the Wyoming Humanities Council announces 12 months of promotion and online and face-to-face programs on the topic of civility, offering residents of the Cowboy State broad opportunities to consider the meaning of civility, both in the context of the nation’s democratic commitments to freedom of expression and in the context of an increasingly global world.

With funding provided by the Wyoming State Legislature through the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, programs include a partnership with the Casper Star-Tribune, featuring opinion editorials by humanities scholars and professionals, state leaders and Wyoming citizens; statewide book and film discussions; a publication with selected readings; an innovative summer public discussion series in Wyoming’s community and state parks; a community grant initiative; and a statewide tour by a national humanities scholar, who will culminate the year with presentations at Wyoming potlucks and schools.

The Wyoming Humanities Council is a nonprofit organization that is an affiliate of the University of Wyoming and the National Endowment for the Humanities. It provides community programs and funds community grants across Wyoming. The Wyoming Humanities Council, the Heart Mountain, Wyoming Foundation, and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center are sponsors of Leach’s Wyoming visit. For more information about the Wyoming Humanities Council, call 307-721-9243 or visit www.uwyo.edu/humanities.

Call for entries: BECA's "Article 19" exhibit

From BECA in Albuquerque:

Group Exhibition Opportunity: Call to Artists, Architects + Designers

Submission receive deadline is September 25

BECA: Bridge for Emerging Contemporary Art, the global artist and designer run non-profit project, presents "ARTICLE 19."

Drawing inspiration from both the preamble and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, artists, architects and designers from around the world are challenged to Explore, Discover and Act through Art + Design. The result will be an international group exhibition which embodies not only the spirit of Article 19 of the UDHR but also explores today’s ever-growing challenges faced by contemporary society from all corners of the globe when attempts are made to realize our human right to freedom of expression.

The ARTICLE 19 exhibition is being held in partnership with, "STREET ARTS: A Celebration of Hip Hop Culture & Free Expression," a two month, city-wide event in Albuquerque, N.M.. The BECA Foundation is proud to be a part of this important arts + cultural event being held this October and November 2010. A complete schedule of STREET ARTS programs and events will soon be available at http://www.516arts.org/.

Those at least 18 years of age from any country are eligible to submit their works for consideration. The BECA Foundation will host the exhibition at New Studio A.D., a new multi-functional studio, exhibition and event space located in downtown Albuquerque. The space allocated for the exhibition is 650 sq ft (60 sq meters) with a ceiling height of 14 feet (4.3 meters) allowing the exhibition to fill a full 9,100 cubic feet (258 meters cubed) of viewing space. A group of individual artists, architects, designers, or duos, groups or collectives will be selected by BECA Foundation directors + advisors to receive the exhibition opportunity which will run from November 2 - 16, with an opening reception from 5–7 p.m. on November 5 during Downtown Albuquerque’s First Friday ArtsCrawl. View past exhibitions at http://www.curatethis.org/ and http://www.becagallery.com/

This is a multimedia and multidisciplinary exhibition without limitation therefore all works will be considered, including but not limited to: site-specific installations, painting, sculpture, mixed-media, drawing, printmaking, fiber, textiles, illustration, digital art, interactive design, photography, video/new media, film, performance art, music and sound focused works, 3D animation, graphic design, product design, furniture design, haute couture fashion + accessories, architectural interventions/designs and functional art, etc. In other words, all creative culminations which address the specifics of this Call are welcome.

An ARTICLE 19 companion exhibition book will be published in both hardcover and softcover editions.

Please download complete information and submission guidelines at http://www.thebecafoundation.org/global/calls-to-artists-designers/

Wyoming musicians invited to participate in Daniel Pearl World Music Days

From the Daniel Pearl Foundation:

Now in its 9th year, Daniel Pearl World Music Days, is a month-long global network of concerts each October, promoting peace and cross cultural understanding through the universal language of music. Coinciding with Danny's October 10 birthday, this global symphony welcomes the participation of all music events from every genre. We set a new record last October, with musicians at 1,558 events in 79 countries, empowering audiences with a sense of unity and purpose under the common banner of "Harmony for Humanity." This year, with your help, we hope to increase the impact on every continent..

There is no financial obligation to participate, all that is required is a dedication made from the stage, or listed in the printed program, and a simple registration of the event on http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/. Once registered, all performances will be promoted on our website, with artist pages, bio's and external links.

Led by our honorary committee, World Music Days is open to all - professionals, amateurs, student groups, non-profit organizations, embassies and religious groups of every faith. Participating events include already scheduled performances or specifically organized events. Please note that concerts held outside the October 1-31, 2010 time frame are welcome to be registered as "Tribute Events."

To register an October performance, or learn more about the benefits of this unique global music network, please visit http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/

Roripaughs lead session about Heart Mountain during Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference

Lee Ann Roripaugh

At the Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference June 4-6 in Cody, there will be a session about the Heart Mountain Relocation Camp. During World War II, the camp was home to more than 10,000 Japanese-Americans relocated from the West Coast. The camp is now a National Historical Site and an interpretive center is under construction.

The Heart Mountain session will be conducted by Wyoming Poet Laureate Emeritus Robert Roripaugh, his wife Yoshiko and their daughter, Lee Ann, a Laramie native who now teaches creative writing at the University of South Dakota. Lee Ann will read selections from her award-winning poetry book, "Beyond Heart Mountain."

This presentation will be held on Friday, June 4, 7-8 p.m., at the Holiday Inn at the Buffalo Bill Resort in Cody. A book signing will follow. Both events are free and open to the public.

FMI: http://www.wyowriters.org/; http://www.heartmountain.us/

Award-winning filmmaker creating short film for Heart Mountain Interpretive Center

The Heart Mountain Internment Camp between Cody and Powell will be the among the first of these World War II sites to have its own interpretive center. Construction on the exterior is nearing completion. Work during the next year will focus on the interior.

The Heart Mountain Foundation has received a series of grants ever since the camps were designated National Historic Sites by the National Park Service. Wyoming Writers, Inc., will conduct a session about Heart Mountain as part of its annual conference June 4-6 in Cody. It will feature Laramie native Lee Ann Roripaugh, author of the award-winning book of poetry "Beyond Heart Mountain;" her father, Bob Roripaugh, poet, novelist and Wyoming Poet Laureate Emeritus; and his wife Yoshiko, a native of Japan. The presentation will be held 7-8 p.m. on Friday, June 4, at the Cody Holiday Inn. This session is free and open to the public (find info on conference registration at WWInc web site).

Meanwhile, good news keeps coming in for the Heart Mountain Foundation. Here's a Billings Gazette story by Ruffin Prevost:

An award-winning filmmaker with a personal connection to Heart Mountain is creating a short film to be shown at a new museum that will open next year at the site of the historic internment camp.

Steven Okazaki (shown in photo), 58, whose father was among the 11,000 internees at Heart Mountain, won an Academy Award for his 1990 documentary, “Days of Waiting.”

The film tells the story of Estelle Ishigo, a Caucasian woman who voluntarily joined her Japanese-American husband, Arthur Ishigo, in a detention camp in California and, later, at Heart Mountain. Ishigo, an artist, documented camp life in drawings and photographs, many of which Okazaki used in “Days of Waiting.”

“We’re very excited about his creativity and ability to take this subject, which is quite complex, and bring it to life for visitors,” said Dave Reetz, executive director of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation.

The nonprofit group has raised $3.5 million toward a goal of $5.3 million for an 11,000-square-foot interpretive learning center under construction at the site of the former camp.

Heart Mountain was one of 10 camps across the country where 110,000 Japanese-Americans were held during World War II. It will be the second site with a museum. The National Park Service manages an interpretive site at Manzanar, on the eastern side of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Born in Los Angeles, Okazaki now lives in San Francisco. He won an Emmy award in 2008 for “White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” He also has earned Oscar nominations for three other films, including “Unfinished Business.” That documentary tells the stories of three men seeking to overturn their convictions 40 years after they refused a government order to enter internment camps like Heart Mountain.

Okazaki’s new film will be about 10 minutes long, and will introduce visitors to the broad range of social issues and historical background covered at the Heart Mountain center, Reetz said.

Reetz and other foundation members have been working with Okazaki to develop key points to be covered in the film, and to integrate it with exhibits being designed by Split Rock Studios. The Minnesota-based firm has developed installations for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Los Angeles, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visitor Center in Missoula and more than 100 other sites.