“Unity in Diversity” image

“Unity in Diversity”

Join Rise Up in our newest project “Unity in Diversity: Painting the diverse canvas of the Hmong-American Culture”

$725 raised

$20,000 goal

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This Fall, RISE UP will begin its newest mural project focused on diversity and the rich cultural heritage of the Hmong-American community. Marathon County is home to over 6% of the Hmong-American refugee population, this is the second-largest diverse population in the area.

RISE UP plans to partner with several local organizations in order to make this project successful, including: The Wausau Hmong New Year, Inc., The Hmong American Center, Inc., AHmong Us, H2N (Hmong & Hispanic Network), and the Advocates in Medicine Pathways Project. The goals of these organizations are aligned to preserve, educate, and promote the rich Hmong-American history. The best way to preserve and educate a culture is by having an open discussion through something that everyone can relate to regardless of their background and that medium is ART!

The project will kick off at the Hmong Wausau Festival in July 2022 where participants will engage in a simple art project and can sign up to attend future workshops. The program will look to engage Hmong-American participants of all ages to complete the workshops led by a RISE UP artists, and many artists within the Hmong-American community. The workshops will occur on a bi-monthly basis to explore the themes and ideas that the group wants to use to tell their story to the community. Participants in the workshops will be exploring different art forms including portrait painting, collaging, zentangle drawing, poetry, music, etc.

Once the design is created, the artists will transfer the image on to 5’ x 5’ parachute cloth and the community will begin to paint. Once complete, the mural will be installed at a visible location and dedicated to the community.

The intended outcome of the RISE UP mural art project "UNITY IN DIVERSITY" is to increase connection between the participants and the community at large, to preserve the Hmong American traditions and educate the community.

Together we will highlight that "[t]he beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people."

You too can be a part of this important project by signing up as a participant or by giving your financial support. Every donation ensures that the impact of the murals’ message will continue for years to come. Together we can heal, strengthen and unify our community.

- The RISE UP team