In the North Gallery, see original art from two of Kao Kalia Yang’s children’s books. Evocative and rich cultural imagery by debut illustrator Billy Thao shows the process of illustrating a book from original concept to the publication of Yang’s newest release. Yang Warriorsdelivers an inspiring tale of resourceful children confronting adversaries with feats of compassion and courage. First-generation Hmong American artist and illustrator, Xee Reiter, created work for The Shared Room. ... view more »
In the North Gallery, see original art from two of Kao Kalia Yang’s children’s books. Evocative and rich cultural imagery by debut illustrator Billy Thao shows the process of illustrating a book from original concept to the publication of Yang’s newest release. Yang Warriorsdelivers an inspiring tale of resourceful children confronting adversaries with feats of compassion and courage. First-generation Hmong American artist and illustrator, Xee Reiter, created work for The Shared Room. Reiter’s original watercolors and expressive drawings accompany Yang’s poignant story of a Hmong American family living with love, loss, and moving forward. The North Gallery is presented in partnership with the University of Minnesota Press.
Ashaley Yang and Sai Chang will guest curate a fashion exhibit in the South Gallery. The history of Hmong art is rooted and sewn into the fabrics of traditional Hmong clothing. A tribute showcase of vintage Hmong clothing exhibits the unique combination of colors and textures that makes Hmong artistry identifiable. A collection of 21stcentury reinterpretations of traditional Hmong clothing by Hmong designers illustrates the overarching themes of The Latehomecomer through a fashion lens that honors women and considers how we presere identity and culture amidst change. Exhibited designers include Allkind, Maisee Heurh, Ka Oskar Ly, John Thao, Xee Vang, Keng Xiong, Nonmala Xiong, and Ashaley Yang.
Gallery admission is free. In order to safely enjoy the show, ArtReach requires visitors to wear a mask, practice social distancing while in the gallery and limits to the number of guests in the building. An online slideshow will bee created for those unable to visit the gallery. Visit https://www.artreachstcroix.org/st-croix-galleries/for a virtual gallery experience.
The NEA Big Read exhibition is co-sponsored by Foley Kalseim & Co. Ltd. and MidWestOneBank.
This event is offered as part of ArtReach St. Croix’s NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley. We encourage you to join your St. Croix Valley neighbors in reading THE LATEHOMECOMER by Kao Kalia Yang. In June 2021, we will celebrate the arts with activities related to themes found in the book. More information is available at https://www.ArtReachStCroix.org/BigRead. See www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/nea-big-read/latehomecomerfor reader resources and discussion questions.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Marine Mills Folk School, Twin Cities PBS (TPT), Stillwater Public library and otherlibrary branches located between St. Croix Falls, WI, and Hastings, MN.
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