Many years later...

Hello subscribers!  It has been too long since my last update.  I hope you are all doing well and meeting your goals for the year.  Here is a quick recap of the notable things from the past five years.

1) I went full time as an artist.  Yup, I quit my day job and decided to go all in on my art.  It has been a wild ride so far.  I haven't found a sustainable path yet, but between the art fairs and commissions, I do well enough to get by.

2) In 2024, I committed to breaking into the children's book market as an illustrator.  I worked with three authors and made four books, three were released while one is still pending.  The three released books are all found on Amazon if you are interested in supporting the book.  They are, Mice and Grains, by Tou Pao Lor.  Tomatoes for the Soul by Chiamee Vang.  Lastly, The Ball of Many Colors by Xe Yang.  I had a great time illustrating these books and each one took about 2-3 months to complete in watercolor.

3) This year, I really wanted to show in galleries and see what the hype is all about.  My first show was in February with Gallerie Francaise and their Laos celebration.  It was a great venue and I loved showing my Hmong art there.  The second gallery show is still on view at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum until September 21, 2025.  It was a group show title Verdant Remedies that connects Hmong artists with the world.  There were twelve artists involved and I had six paintings in the theme of Namesakes: Paaj (flower).  I love how this series turned out and can't wait to add more to it.

On September 7, 2025, I will have a solo show titled No Limit, the art of Tou Her at Xia Books, Cafe, and Gallery in St. Paul, MN.  The opening reception will happen from 1 - 3 pm and it will be a casual meet and greet with a few opening words by myself.  This show is about working in different mediums and genres, and not limiting yourself to one niche as an artist.  I really hope to see you there and join me in this new chapter.

Lastly, I have also started my first coloring book which is now available on Amazon.  It is a collection of my lineart for my Kao-La collection Hmong kids.  It is called Color me Hmong and has 33 designs for kids and adults.  

Until next time!