Throughout the evening, Jun Jun will create expressive paintings in real time while Piwai responds through song, mbira, and rhythm, weaving together two artistic traditions in an improvisational dialogue that transcends language. Together, they invite audiences to experience how art can carry memory, celebrate identity, and build bridges across cultures.

Following the performance, meet the artists, explore the exhibition, and enjoy authentic Zimbabwean cuisine provided by the Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California.

About the Artists

Jun Jun is a Chinese American artist whose work is shaped by a lifelong journey between cultures. Born and educated in China, she studied Zen calligraphy before moving to California in 1999, where she later earned a degree in painting from Sonoma State University. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Bay Area, including commissions for Levi’s Stadium and UCSF, and she currently serves as an Artist in Residence at UCSF, using expressive art to support cancer patients and their families. Her paintings reflect healing, resilience, and the beauty of our shared humanity.

Piwai is an internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, and mbira player whose performances blend traditional Zimbabwean music with contemporary sounds. A gifted gwenyambira (traditional mbira musician), she has captivated audiences around the world and collaborated on the Grammy Award-winning album Last Days of Oakland. Beyond the stage, Piwai works with grassroots organizations, youth groups, and nonprofits throughout California and Africa, using music to foster cultural exchange, community connection, and social change.

About the Exhibit

This performance is presented in conjunction with Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind, on view September 4–October 4, 2026, at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. Through meaningful objects, photographs, oral histories, and personal narratives, the exhibition explores migration, memory, and belonging while celebrating the many stories and traditions that shape our community.

Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind is made possible through the generous support of California Humanities through its Connecting California grant program. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and sponsors, including the North Bay Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League, Petaluma Arts Center, Life on Art, Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California, El Día de los Muertos Petaluma, Bolca Avia, Chelsea Antiques, Café Puente, Rustic Bakery, Quality Inn Petaluma, and all of the organizations, volunteers, artists, and community members whose collaboration has brought this exhibition to life.