Big news, y’all! Ethereal Homeland is happening—my very first art installation! This project is a dreamy, sparkly, heartfelt reimagining of the motherland, blending nostalgia, cultural memory, and the feeling of home (wherever that may be). It’s my love letter to the Lao diaspora, a world where the past and present meet in soft colors, textures, and joy.
This has been a labor of love (aka, I literally stayed up until 7:30 AM most nights making this happen) because I want this to be an experience—not just something to look at, but something to step into. I can’t wait for you to see it!
WHEN & WHERE?
📅 Saturday, March 29
⏰ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Seven Points Uptown (formerly Calhoun Square)
3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(Note: It may appear as “Seven Points Parking Garage” on Google Maps.)
What to Expect
🍛 Delicious Lao food by Small Batch Charm & Cheer Event Service (also me! 😆) – Because what’s a gathering without amazing food? Expect flavors that remind you of home.
🙏 Monks’ blessing at 1:00 PM – A special visit from local Lao monks for a moment of peace, tradition, and connection. Be mindful not to touch them out of respect.
🐯 Tiger scavenger hunt at 2:00 PM – Hidden throughout the space, waiting to be found. Will you spot them all?
🌟 Vote for My Piece at the Uptown Art Experience Art Contest! 🌟
And because I love chaos and creativity, I decided to enter my first-ever art contest! 🎉
✨ My submission? The Happiness Machine—an interactive, people-powered piece designed to spark joy and remind us that happiness isn’t something we chase—it’s something we create.
This piece is deeply personal to me, inspired by a lifelong dream that came true last year: seeing the northern lights. The way the colors moved and refracted across the sky felt like pure magic—a reminder that light and movement can transform the world around us. The Happiness Machine is about bringing that feeling to life—where interaction, energy, and creativity come together to spark joy.
I’ve always believed that everyone is a creator—whether through art, design, building, or simply expressing yourself in everyday life. Creativity belongs to all of us. This piece invites you to participate, play, and take a moment to create your own happiness.
🗳️ If you’re stopping by, I’d love for you to vote in person and share this moment with me! This means so much to me—I’ve poured countless hours and resources into bringing this vision to life, and winning the grand prize would help me immensely (and honestly, just help me break even 😭)! Your vote truly matters, and I would appreciate it more than you know.
🔹 Voting is in-person only at the event—each piece will have a QR code for easy voting. This contest is all about community participation, so if you love what you see, please take a second to help me make this dream a reality!
Oh, and my sweetie nephew will be there too! 💖 He’ll be tabling with his own creations-in-the-works, making this an even more special family moment. Come by, say hi, check out his work, and celebrate with us!
📢 Don’t miss this! Come support, snap some pics, eat good food, and soak in all the art and magic. See you there! 💖
🚗 Parking: Available in the Seven Points parking garage, at metered street parking nearby, or free street parking starting about a block away.
✨ Part of the Uptown Art Experience! Free & open to all.
Created by Minneapolis Mehndi & Henna / Small Batch Henna & Craft 🎨
Minneapolis Mehndi & Henna 