All posts tagged: Writers

Lao writers mark Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Fresno

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As the end of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month approaches, three Lao American authors will gather in Fresno, California on Saturday, May 30th at the Fresno County Woodward Park Regional Library. The free reading will be from 3 to 4 pm with refreshments served. It is sponsored by Lao American Community of Fresno and Sahtu Press, and the community is also using it as a time to mark the 40th anniversary of the Lao Diaspora.  The library is located at 944 E Perrin Ave. The lineup includes children’s book author and illustrator Nor Sanavongsay, and the poets Krysada Panusity Phounsiri and Bryan Thao Worra. They’ll be reading selections from their latest books and previewing upcoming projects. They also hope to use the time to encourage younger Lao youth to value their stories and to remember their roots. “I’m honored to be a part of this event,” said Panusith Phounsiri, who recently released his collection Dance Among Elephants which has been selling well across the community. Many of his poems touch upon his heritage and his family’s journey …

Celebrating Lao Minnesotan Artists Heritage Month

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One year ago, we observed the very first Lao Minnesotan Artists Heritage Month, which was recognized by Governor Dayton and the State of Minnesota as a celebration of the outstanding international, national, and local contributions of Lao Minnesotan artists. It was hoped by the organizers that this would encourage future generations of emerging artists.  Further, it was hoped the community would recognize the role the arts have in our lives, especially to positively transform our society. In the time since, we continue to see our artists making wonderful strides and continuing to advance as artists. Saymoukda Vongsay, for example, is recognizing the 6th anniversary since the publication of her chapbook ‘No Regrets,’  but also the production of her first full-length play, “Kung Fu Zombies vs. Cannibals,” presented by Mu Performing Arts. Her work was also included in the recent 2012 Winter Book of the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Lao writers like Chanida Phaengdara Potter at Little Laos on the Prairie continue to create a vital space for our voices to be heard, and to bring our persepective to …