Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change: A Portrait of the Hmong American Farmers Association, co-presented with the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA), brings together a collection of photographs, video, and artist books created by multi-media artist Mike Hazard. The exhibition documents a year in the life of Hmong American farmers working on a farm run by HAFA in Vermillion Township, Minnesota, and captures the dynamics and rich history of this farming community. The exhibition showcases the fruits of community efforts to cultivate farming traditions among first, second, and third generation American immigrants.

With growing land expenses and inconsistent opportunities to sell produce, this vocation has become more difficult over the last decade. HAFA strives to ease these difficulties by providing land, resources, and stable market places for Hmong American farmers in Minnesota. You can meet and buy produce directly from many of HAFA’s farmers at the weekly St. Paul Farmer’s Market, located just blocks from the MMAA Project Space. The HAFA farm is occupied on any given day by Hmong residents of all generations, working together to harvest opportunities for their community. They harmoniously blend historical Hmong farming techniques, modern technology, and sustainable practices that allow traditions to be carried on through generations. 

Seeds of Change places special emphasis on family, community, immigration, and local commerce, touching on topics of ethnicity, ownership, solidarity, and sustainability. It also highlights the beauty of the Minnesota landscape and our state’s agricultural traditions. It is an exhibition that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of our Hmong community and demonstrates what it means to be a farmer in Minnesota today.

Image Credit: Mike Hazard, Shoua Cuts Dahlias, *Sua txav paaj, 2014, digital archival inkjet print.