From Needle to Paintbrush, The Power of Art
by Matt Bauer-Yuen
In St. Paul's Frogtown neighborhood, a welcoming space brings together members of the Southeast Asian and Afghan communities for shared meals, laughter, and community. The Wilder Center for Social Healing serves as a vital space for immigrants, refugees, and those seeking asylum in the U.S. to forge meaningful connections and access supportive services.
Stepping into the building, visitors are greeted by vibrant national flags and intricate string art representing Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Depending on the day, the air might be filled with the enticing aromas of a communal meal being prepared or the lively sounds of karaoke. It’s a warm, joyful environment that evokes the essence of home for its visitors.
From Needle to Paintbrush
Local Hmong artist Tshab Her recalls with warmth, “The room would be very quiet with how focused [the Hmong elders] are.” Over the course of eight weeks, Tshab partnered with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) to guide Hmong elders through the fundamentals of painting. Each week, participants honed new skills in preparation for their final project: a painted story cloth.
Inspired by the traditional Hmong story cloths, which feature intricate embroidery and reverse appliqué techniques, this workshop reimagined the needlework art form through painting. For generations, the Hmong community has shared beautiful stories through story cloths. “I wanted this project to be an opportunity for them to reflect on their own lives and make time for themselves,” Tshab shared. Alongside teaching creativity, the workshop aimed to instill confidence and foster a supportive community for those navigating mental health challenges.
A Space for Healing
The workshop culminated in a heartfelt celebration at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, where the elders’ artwork was displayed in a gallery. For many participants, this was their first time visiting a museum—let alone seeing their creations exhibited. During the event, each elder had the chance to present their painting, sharing the inspiration behind their work, the choices they made, and the personal significance of their subject matter.
One recurring theme was the papaya, a beloved fruit that evoked cherished memories of their villages in Laos. Others explored traditional shapes and colors, incorporating clan-specific designs. As the elders shared their stories, the room was filled with admiration and applause.
By the end of the afternoon, gratitude poured out from the participants.
"[I] suffer from a lot of mental health and depression. I love to color and I never thought, I would actually ever paint on a canvas and take a workshop in a class like this..." - Hmong Elder Participant.
"I'm so happy. Truly like I said, you know, not believing in myself but now I can see for the very first time [I can do it], I'm like, this is the first time I've ever drawn or painted anything." - Hmong Elder Participant.
"I'm so happy and so proud of myself that, you know, I can actually do it, if I put the effort in, and try, I can do it." - Hmong Elder Participant.
The Transformative Power of Art
The partnership between Wilder, Mia, and local artists like Tshab Her, is a testament to the transformative power of community and creativity. By fostering connection and self-expression, the workshop not only imparted artistic skills but also nurtured the mental health and resilience of its participants. It was a testament to the healing power of art and the importance of honoring the stories of every generation.
Special thanks to the Vitality Arts at Minneapolis Institute of Art, and artist Tshab Her.