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 1:30 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.

Living Inspirationally with Houa Moua, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm
Join actor, comedian, and storyteller Houa Moua for an interactive storytelling experience. Houa will share stories and jokes about how “we as disabled individuals are called inspirational just for living our lives.”

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 paj ntaub project, a traditional Hmong art story cloth. Learn more about this centuries-old tradition as you write your name on your own cross-stitch panel to add to the design.

Short Film: The Tale of the Hanging Bat by Dan Yang, 10 am–3 pm
Stop by the Bentson Mediatheque to watch a family-friendly short film. Based on a Hmong creation story, The Tale of the Hanging Bat shows why one should be diligent in life. The film is 5 minutes and will play on loop.

Guided Tours of the Walker Galleries, 11:30 am (families), 1 pm (general audiences),  3 pm (en español)
Join a Walker educator for a family-friendly guided tour of artworks on view in the galleries. Tours explore a selection of artworks across current exhibitions and include interactive discussions. Meet at the Main Lobby desk five minutes before the tour starts.

Visit the Walker Art Center Library, 10 am–3 pm
The Walker’s library is open! Explore the stacks and find inspiration in the library’s collection of artful books. The library entrance is through the Art Lab.

ASL interpretation will be provided for Storytime with Dr. Brian Xiong at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm and Living Inspirationally with Houa Moua at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

ASL interpretation will be provided at the traveling photo exhibit in the Cargill Lounge.

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.