August 9th, 3-5pm: Opening Reception, featuring artists Von Johnson, Sarith Peou, Ronald “Bino” Greer, Fong Lee, and Kevin Yang

Authors and exhibiting artists Ronald “Bino” Greer II, Sarith Peou, and Von Johnson will join us via Zoom from Minnesota State Prison to lead three writing and poetry engagements:

Bino, whose work examines proximity and relationship to nature, will guide participants in poetry and reflection of the flora that surrounds—or is absent from—our lives. You will leave with your own poetry written on seed-embedded paper, which you may plant in the spring to watch words and wildflowers bloom.

Sarith, who has dedicated his life to chronicling the experiences, traumas, and perseverance of refugees in Minnesota State Prisons, will lead you in a restorative justice contemplation and writing exercise that will underscore the need for individual and collective healing.

Von, who has for nearly three decades created communities of belonging and inclusion in Minnesota State Prisons, understands the importance of presence, communication, and family. In this engagement, Von will lead you in composing your own letters to a lost loved one (perhaps distanced through incarceration, illness, death, or time).

And join artists Fong Lee and Kevin Yang for a Khi Tes ceremony, an important Hmong spiritual practice symbolizing connectedness, renewal, and blessing, in the gallery space. The artists will guide you in tying white strings to another person’s wrist, representing bonds of care and spiritual well-being. Whether it’s a long-time friend or a stranger, this simple yet profound gesture fosters a sense of community and shared humanity. Materials provided.

Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, Minnesota