Free First Saturday: Photo and Flow

Many Ways of Being: Hmong Disability Stories in Photos, 10 am–3 pm
Explore this traveling photo art exhibit by United Hmong with Disabilities (UHD). The exhibit celebrates the unique lived experiences of Hmong people with disabilities, highlighting both their personal stories and rich cultural heritage.

Storytime with Dr. Brian Xiong: Mai Yia and Her Purple Wheelchair, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm
Join Dr. Brian Xiong for a special children’s storytime featuring his book Mai Yia and Her Purple Wheelchair. This interactive reading introduces young audiences and families to a heartfelt story about disability, family love, and inclusion within the Hmong community.

Hmong Paper Hats with Kaolee Yang, 10 am–3 pm
Join teaching artist Kaolee Yang to create your very own traditional Hmong hat with paper! This workshop offers a fun and accessible way for children to learn about Hmong culture, clothing traditions, and identity, while encouraging creativity and storytelling through art.

Community Paj Ntaub with United Hmong with Disabilities (UHD), 10 am–3 pm
Join UHD in creating a community mosaic of paj ntaub, a traditional Hmong art story cloth. Visitors will get to color in their own design to add to the community mosaic and learn more about this important art form.

Short Film: Uncovering the Hidden History Stitched into Hmong Clothing, 10 am–3 pm
Find out how French colonial coins became part of Hmong clothing in this short documentary by Dan Yang. The film is 7 minutes and will play on loop.

ASL interpretation available for Storytime with Dr. Brian Xiong: Mai Yia and Her Purple Wheelchair at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

ASL interpretation available in the Cargill Lounge for the traveling exhibit Many Ways of Being: Hmong Disability Stories in Photos.

All printed materials for this program will be translated in Hmong.

For more information or to request additional accommodations, call 612-375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.

For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.

United Hmong with Disabilities (UHD) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Minnesota, with a mission to build an inclusive future for Hmong people with disabilities. UHD works to foster a sense of belonging and disability pride within the Hmong community by providing advocacy, resources, education and leadership development for disabled individuals and their families.

Dr. Brian V. Xiong leads the Hmong Education Archives & Library and HER Publisher as President. A committed community leader, advisor, activist, author, and professor, he has spent his career teaching in the social sciences and educational leadership. His work centers on advancing social justice and racial equity, uplifting LGBTQIA2+ communities, exploring Asian American and Hmong experiences, and supporting the success of minority students in higher education. Dr. Xiong is widely recognized as an engaging and in-demand speaker. His talks not only motivate audiences but also equip them to advocate for inclusive practices and help build environments where everyone feels they truly belong.

Houa Moua is an actor, comedian, and storyteller. Since 2020, Houa has been making tiny waves in the Twin Cities in productions such as Face to Face: Hmong Women’s Experience (Park Square Theater), Kungfu Zombies: Shaman Warriors vs Cannibals (Theater Mu), Stories Exploring Disability and Theater (Full Circle Theater), and stand up comedy with the Funny Asian Women Kollective. Most recently, she was cast in her first leading role as Ani in Cost of Living (Full Circle Theater).

Kaolee Yang is a Hmong creative, cultural storyteller, and community builder who is passionate about sharing and preserving Hmong heritage through art, dialogue, and hands-on learning experiences. She is the cofounder of the Story Cloth Shop, a creative project inspired by traditional Hmong story cloths and cultural storytelling. She also co-created the All That Talk Talk Show podcast with her best friend, which made space for open dialogue around culture, identity, relationships, and the evolving experiences of Hmong Americans. Through workshops and community activities, Yang brings people together to celebrate culture, spark curiosity, and foster connection through storytelling and art.

Find us at 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Paid underground parking is available on-site. Enter the ramp on Vineland Place at Bryant Avenue. Biking or taking Metro Transit? Learn more.

Visiting the galleries? Enhance your experience by joining a public tour or with self-guided resources accessible for free on Bloomberg Connects.

Personal photography is permitted throughout the Walker and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, but please turn off the flash when visiting the galleries.

To help us promote future events and programs, this event may be photographed or recorded. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by the museum. Please let staff know upon arrival if you prefer not to be photographed.