The Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology at Wichita State University will hold a reception for the opening of two new photo exhibitions from 4:30-6 p.m. Monday, May 9, on the first floor of Neff Hall.

The new exhibitions are "A Day in the Life of an American Samoan: 1954" and "The Many Faces of China: A Photographic Exhibit of Chinese Nationalities."

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

"A Day in the Life of a Samoan: 1954" displays photos taken by Lowell Holmes while doing field work in American Samoa beginning in 1954. Holmes was the founder of WSU's Department of Anthropology and the Museum of Man, which was later renamed after him in his honor.

His photos illustrate many aspects of Samoa life from their colorful ceremonies to their daily routines.

Holmes' widow, Ellen Rhoads-Holmes, is the guest curator and has worked closely with the students.

"The Many Faces of China" explores seven ethnic groups living in China: the Mongolian, Kazak, Tu, Tibetan, Bai, Dry Dai and the Naxi nationalities. The photos were taken by Holmes Museum director Jerry Martin during research trips to China in 1988 and 1989.

The exhibitions were designed and created by students in the department's Museum Exhibitions course, including Cody Braun, James Johnson, Amber King, James Lancaster, Annie Oster, Kathryn Ritter and Lindsay Zeller.