A new exhibit at Cal State Northridge's Oviatt Library examines the pivotal role bamboo plays in Asian life. The show runs through Oct. 26 in the west wing exhibit area on the library's second floor.

On display will be art and utility items made from bamboo as well as books and photographs of the exotic grass. The show includes a sculpture made especially for the exhibit by Los Angeles artist Shanye Huang, who was born in China.

"Bamboo is actually in every aspect of people's lives in Asia, materialistically, mentally and spiritually, and that's basically what this exhibit is about," said Angela Lew, a CSUN librarian and curator of the show.

A reception celebrating the opening of the exhibit will take place Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. in the exhibit area. Following the reception, Lew will give a symposium on the many uses and cultural significance of bamboo in Chinese life.

For more information about the exhibit, call (818) 677-2638.

California State University, Northridge has more than 29,000 full- and part-time students and offers 63 bachelor's and 51 master's degrees. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the third largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher educationŠ"