CEDAR CITY MAYOR MAILE WILSON-EDWARDS TALKS ON RECENT ENCOUNTERS IN SOUTH KOREA

CEDAR CITY, Utah – Nov. 20, 2018 – On Friday evening, Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) hosted Mayor Maile Wilson-Edwards and members of the southern Utah community as the mayor shared her experiences from her recent diplomatic trip to Gapyeong, South Korea. Attendees included members of the 222nd Field Artillery Battalion, veterans of the Korean War and those interested in the connection between the two countries.

During the evening, Wilson-Edwards spoke about the purpose of the trip, an act of fostering a cultural, economic and educational bridge between sister cities Gapyeong and Cedar City. Wilson-Edwards recounted her visit to the Korean War and United States memorial, a visit to the site of the battle of Gapyeong, a meeting with the Gyeonggi Eastern Chamber of Commerce and Industry among other destinations. The highlight of the trip was her unique opportunity to participate in the rededication of the memorial that honors the United States and specifically soldiers from southern Utah that fought during the Korean War.

“I appreciated the opportunity to share my recent experiences visiting our sister city, Gapyeong, South Korea and the wonderful relationship that exists between our two communities. It was apparent everywhere we went in Gapyeong that there is a continued love, appreciation and respect for the sacrifice of our local military members during the Korean War. Overall, it was an honor to represent Cedar City and further strengthen the bond between our two communities” said Wilson-Edwards.

Following the talk, guests mingled in the gallery, enjoying authentic Korean cuisine served by Das Nest, while viewing the art of Encounter Korea.

“Our current exhibition, made for a perfect setting for this special evening. Between the mayor’s talk, the Korean food and the being surrounded by contemporary Korean art, our guests truly felt our community’s connection with Gapyeong and South Korea,” said Jessica Farling, director/curator of SUMA.

The relationship between Gapyeong and Cedar City dates back to the Korean War, but the two did not become sister cities until 2009. Roughly 240 soldiers from Cedar City and the surrounding areas served as part of the Southern Utah 213th Field Artillery Battalion. The battle they fought is referred to as “The Miracle of Gapyeoung” because not one member of the 213th lost his life.

Encounter Korea features the work of seven Korean and Korean-American artists through a partnership with Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles. Encounter Korea will be on display at SUMA until December 29th.