SPRINGFIELD – A part of the world that is still largely unknown or misunderstood by many Americans will be highlighted through photos and a documentary film.

The Bing Arts Center will feature two photo exhibits about Tibet by Dawa Drolma as well as screen one of her films about her homeland. The opening of the photo exhibits and the film will be presented Feb. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the arts center on Sumner Avenue.

Drolma, a senior at Bay Path University, has received awards for her work documenting life in Tibet.

Born and raised in Kham Dege, Tibet, she explained to Reminder Publications her work preserving Tibetan culture came through the interest her English instructors had in the Tibetan way of life. She started her efforts in 2009.

Drolma, who is majoring in both marketing and small business development, said she was not a professional photographer but “I see it as a tool to educate other people about Tibetan culture.”

Her first book “Silence in the Valley of Song,” was published in 2012.
    She has made several short films. “Dzongsar Clay” shows how artisans practice traditional clay sculpture, while “White Lies” tells the story of the relationship between herdsman and dzomo – a hybrid of yaks and cows. Both of these films will be shown on Feb. 4.
    Her Facebook page, (www.facebook.com/taleoftibetans) has a number of her candid photos of life in Tibet that will be featured at the Bing.
    Part of her motivation for her efforts is the profession of her family. She explained that for six generations her family has been in the business of creating bronze artwork. Her studies at Bay Path are to help develop the family business.
    At her website www.khyenle.com, Drolma shares the process of creating bronze sculptures and pendants. She described the business as “old fashioned,” but the modern marketing concepts she will be bringing back to Tibet will hopefully propel how the products are sold into the 21st century.
    “There is a need to help artisans make a living and that will preserve the traditions,” she said.
    Yale University hosted an exhibit of the bronze work last year and the Smithsonian also presented an exhibit, along with a discussion with Drolma.
    Her goal is to widen the potential for sales of the bronze work.
    Drolma will be graduating in May and said “I’ve been trying to make the most of our four years in the United States.”