The Refugee Portrait Exhibit provides a new perspective on the often hidden lives and compelling experiences of refugees in our communities. The number of globally displaced people has risen dramatically in recent years and is expected to continue to rise in response to ongoing conflicts, poverty, and climate change. International and national events have prompted debates in communities across the country about our duty to refugees, our American roots, and national identity. The traveling exhibition consists of contemporary color portraits accompanied by first-person stories highlighting the plight and resiliency of refugees working to make a new home in this country. For more detailed information, please visit the website whenhomewontletyoustay.org.

An artist reception and community conversation will be held on August 23rd at 6 pm for all to attend. Mark your calendar and check unitecloud.org/refugee-art for registration details.

“Life in Mogadishu was chaos.
The groups were at war.
Everybody had guns.
There was random fighting and killing,
Our neighbors and cousins were killed.
Every day we were living in fear
that something would happen to us.
I couldn’t stay.” – Samsam, Mogadishu, Somalia

This event is free and open to the public, thanks to a grant from Central MN Arts Board and community sponsorships who will be recognized that night.