"Saib Kuv," the Hmong in art exhibit, "Watch Me"

"Saib Kuv," the Hmong in art exhibit, "Watch Me"

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10/31/2007 06:57 AM

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Email this article • Print this article

"Saib Kuv," the Hmong in art exhibit, "Watch Me" Talented Young Hmong-Artists tell their story through art.

By Pa Her Hmong Times Contributing Writer

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On Oct. 12, 2007, people from around the Twin Cities came to experience the work of talented young Hmong-Artists during the "Saib Kuv" or "Watch Me" art exhibit hosted in downtown St. Paul by the In Progress Foundation.

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The exhibit is adorned with colorful artworks displayed on every wall, and artists dressed in their traditional outfits with smiles on their face. The artsy environment presented a sophisticated collection of artwork from various artists.

The artists stayed close to their respective artwork. As people walked by to view the art, the artists explained to the audience the story behind their work.

Kristine Sorensen, executive director of In Progress, said, "Their work shapes what they do in terms of how they tell their story through their eyes." Sorensen shared a memory of when an 11-year-old girl, Gao Na Xiong, came into the program and shared her knowledge of photography skills to her peers.

Sorensen also explained, "Their young age is valuable to them, and will be a benefit for them to grow even more so they can become the very best at what they do."

Every artist had a unique way of expressing their work.

Choua Lor, 12, gives her artwork a unique look and a great story is hidden behind the art. Lor wore a glittering bracelet on one hand, which she said draws to the attention of beauty. When asked about her artwork, Lor said, "My artwork represents my Hmong culture and the bracelet represents me, because it's red and to me red stands for being energetic, outgoing, friendly, loving, and just being who I am," Every artist held a special story behind their art.

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"Saib Kuv," the Hmong in art exhibit, "Watch Me"

10/31/2007 06:57 AM

Artist and program coordinator of In Progress, Sai Thao, discovered her special talent at age 15. From that moment on, Sai allowed art to be her voice. Later, on her 18th birthday, she made the decision to dedicate her time to help local artists grow by assisting them to reach their potential.

Thao said, "Art has really changed my life because it gives me an opportunity to help younger artists and to challenge them to become the best at what they do."

Thao, along with Kristine Sorensen and Mina Blyly-Strauss, began the Center for Art Criticism in 1997. The mission then was to build an organization around adult artists. After the Center for Art Criticism was formed, there was a great interest among youth artists and the organization made changes to accommodate these aspiring young artists. In 2000, the youth program took over, and the art organization In Progress was born. Each year, In Progress partners with urban, rural, and tribal communities to provide quality mentorships that contribute to building the public voice of those least heard in our nation, serving more than 1,000 youth each year.

In Progress' mission focuses on diversifying cultural dialogue and paving the way for new voices in the field of media arts. In Progress provides many opportunities for young artist to develop their skills as storytellers and artists, and play a leadership role through the use of digital media. Thao and her partners are also involved with a program called the Critical Eye. Critical Eye provides participants ages 14-19 years old a chance to explore digital media art as well as giving artists a chance to improve their art skills.

The art exhibit, "Saib Kuv," will remain open through January 2008 at In Progress in downtown St. Paul. The exhibit is also available for viewing by appointment. For more information about In Progress you can visit their website at: www.in-progress.org or for a personal tour of the exhibit you can contact Sai Thao at: saitaho@aol.com or 651-228-1271.

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