10/31/2007 06:57 AM"Saib Kuv," the Hmong in art exhibit, "Watch Me"

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home : community Wednesday, October 31, 2007

10/23/2007 11:47:00 AM 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 HerHmong Times Contributing Writer

On Oct. 12, 2007, people from around theTwin Cities came to experience the work oftalented young Hmong-Artists during the"Saib Kuv" or "Watch Me" art exhibit hostedin downtown St. Paul by the In ProgressFoundation.

The exhibit is adorned with colorfulartworks displayed on every wall, andartists dressed in their traditional outfitswith smiles on their face. The artsyenvironment presented a sophisticatedcollection of artwork from various artists.

The artists stayed close to their respectiveartwork. As people walked by to view theart, the artists explained to the audiencethe story behind their work.

Kristine Sorensen, executive director of InProgress, said, "Their work shapes whatthey do in terms of how they tell their storythrough their eyes." Sorensen shared amemory of when an 11-year-old girl, GaoNa Xiong, came into the program andshared her knowledge of photography skillsto her peers.

Sorensen also explained, "Their young ageis valuable to them, and will be a benefitfor them to grow even more so they canbecome 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 hiddenbehind the art. Lor wore a glittering bracelet on one hand, which she saiddraws to the attention of beauty. When asked about her artwork, Lor said, "Myartwork represents my Hmong culture and the bracelet represents me, becauseit's red and to me red stands for being energetic, outgoing, friendly, loving, andjust being who I am,"

Every artist held a special story behind their art.

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St. Paul, MN

10/31/2007 06:57 AM"Saib Kuv," the Hmong in art exhibit, "Watch Me"

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Artist and program coordinator of In Progress, Sai Thao, discovered her specialtalent 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 localartists grow by assisting them to reach their potential.

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

Thao, along with Kristine Sorensen and Mina Blyly-Strauss, began the Centerfor Art Criticism in 1997. The mission then was to build an organization aroundadult artists. After the Center for Art Criticism was formed, there was a greatinterest among youth artists and the organization made changes toaccommodate these aspiring young artists. In 2000, the youth program tookover, and the art organization In Progress was born. Each year, In Progresspartners with urban, rural, and tribal communities to provide quality mentorshipsthat 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 theway for new voices in the field of media arts. In Progress provides manyopportunities for young artist to develop their skills as storytellers and artists,and play a leadership role through the use of digital media. Thao and herpartners are also involved with a program called the Critical Eye. Critical Eyeprovides participants ages 14-19 years old a chance to explore digital mediaart as well as giving artists a chance to improve their art skills.

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

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