If you were wondering where you can purchase items from your favorite Hmong artists, this is the place for you. The grand opening event featured 12 artists, 1 food vendor, music and henna.
So you must be thinking, what is XIAART? XIAART is an art gallery and consignment shop dedicated to supporting Minnesota Southeast Asian and international artists and makers. It's located in the Little Mekong Business District in St. Paul.
Since the shop is on University Avenue, you can find parking in the back of the buildings or on the street. You can also take the light rail to get here.
When we walked through the entrance, you can see how open it is. The layout of the shop has a tasteful aesthetic and a good flow to it where you can walk to each setting and see how the artists and their crafts are showcased.
These artists were featured:
Almoua (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ALMOUA)
Carol's Candles (https://squareup.com/store/carolscandles)
Evie & Thao (https://evieandthao.com)
Just Because
Kao Lee Thao (https://www.etsy.com/shop/InnerSwirl)
Kong Research & Design (https://www.facebook.com/Kong-Research-Design-1441042759371017/)
Moua Thin Productions - The Shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/MouaThinTheShop)
Plor Art
The Nail Box (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNailBoxShoppe)
Tori Hong
Xee Reiter
XIXO Men's Wear (https://www.etsy.com/shop/xixomenswear)
You probably recognize a lot of these artists and that's because you've seen them at the Hmong Arts and Crafts Fair. BUT the cool thing about XIAART is that they allow a platform for artists to sell their items at a physical location so you can go buy the items you want instead of ordering it online. But do know the items are limited. So get it while you're there.
FOOD
The grand opening featured Groove Dogz, which they make gourmet hot dogs with an Asian flair. You can choose between four styles of hot dogs: classic, banh mi, kimchi or spicy mango BBQ and add a combo if you wanted to. We ordered the banh mi and spicy mango BBQ.
The banh mi tasted exactly as it sounds but on top of a hot dog. The spicy mango BBQ hot dog has a sweet and tangy taste but with a little bit of a kick. Both very delicious and enjoyable. We recommend trying it out.
Follow them on Facebook to see where they'll be next!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groovedogzmn/
MUSIC
DJ Sonic Rain was the deejay for the grand opening which played into the ambiance of the event.
But the highlight for me was hearing Alicia Thao perform. Her voice is mesmerizing and fits perfectly into the atmosphere of the event.
So why have I not heard of her before? That's probably because she is a Hmong American singer / songwriter from Oklahoma and just recently moved to Minnesota.
I'll be following her to see what's next in her music!
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/aliciatao
MY HAUL
CAROL'S CANDLES
Carol's candles make scented soy candles crafted in small batches and hand poured into mason jars.
There were two sizes you can get: 4 oz or 8 oz. The 4 oz is $7 while the 8 oz is $13. The pictured items are 4 oz.
There were a variety of scents but I went with sea salt & orchid, coffee, and oakmoss amber. You can find more scents in her online store or stop by the shop to see more. These make great gifts for candle lovers or for yourself.
Store: https://squareup.com/store/carolscandles
ALMOUA
We love seeing products from Almoua. We already have the monogram last name but wanted to add the carved last name to our collection. This beauty is $25.
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ALMOUA
XIXO MEN'S WEAR
I can never find Hmong-inspired products for men so I was super excited to see XIXO Men's Wear at XIAART!
XIXO Men's Wear makes Hmong-inspired men's accessories. There were ties, bowties, belts and tie clips to choose from at XIAART. I decided on this silver house hash tie clip. This is $29.99.
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/xixomenswear
Overall, we're excited to see this consignment shop open. Now, we only have to drive over to St. Paul to purchase these amazing products. Checkout their Facebook for hours and for featured artists!
XIAART Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XIAARTMN
About Us:
Our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelEatTinaE/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ8XnpNYIf8&feature=youtu.be