Minnesota State Fair announces 2025 free music, entertainment lineup
The free music and entertainment lineup for this year's Minnesota State Fair has been confirmed.
The State Fair announced the list of performers will combine for more than 900 free shows at the fairgrounds over the course of the 12-day Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Arguably the most sought-after free shows come in the evenings at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, with singer-songwriter Rachel Platten, Mexican-American rock group Los Lobos, and Minnesota's own indie-pop artist Ber are among the headliners.
There are dozens more acts performing on the various stages during the day and evening, with the full list of confirmed performers found below:
Rachel Platten – Aug. 21 & 22 at 8:30 p.m.
Arrested Development – Aug. 23 & 24 at 8:30 p.m.
Los Lobos – Aug. 25 & 26 at 8:30 p.m.
Tayler Holder – Aug. 27 & 28 at 8:30 p.m.
Karla Perez: Selena The Show – Aug. 29 & 30 at 8:30 p.m.
Ber – Aug. 31 & Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
The 34th Infantry Division 'Red Bull' Band
Church of Cash
Country Roads: The Music of John Denver
Davina and The Vagabonds
Dylan Salfer
Jason Scott & The High Heat
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
Mariachi Campanas de America
Matt Vee & The Killer Vees Celebrate the Music of Neil Diamond
MPLS the band
MSF Amateur Talent Contest Semifinals sponsored by Chase
Parrothead Paradise – A Jimmy Buffett Tribute
Rosie Flores
Sarah Gayle Meech and The Meech Boys
Sarah Morris
Sean Ardoin
Sweet Colleens
Talking Dreads
Tonic Sol-fa
Deke Dickerson & The Whippersnappers – Aug. 21 & 22 at 8 p.m.
Jonah Marais – Aug. 23 & 24 at 8 p.m.
Poppa Bear Norton – Aug. 25 & 26 at 8 p.m.
Lady Midnight – Aug. 27 & 28 at 8 p.m.
First Avenue Goes To The Fair – Aug. 29 & 30 at 8 p.m.
Joyann Parker – Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. & Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Cindy Lawson
Cole Diamond
Gary Rue's Magic Carpet Ride
Ken Valdez
Los Rebeldes
Mary Bue
Mother Banjo
MNHS presents History On-A-Schtick
Nicholas David
Steve Solkela
U.S. Navy Band Country Current
Uncle Muskrat
Wild Horses
Sounds of Santana Starring Joe Cruz – Aug. 21 & 22 at 8 p.m.
The Belfast Cowboys – Aug. 23 & 24 at 8 p.m.
Jaybee and The Routine – Aug. 25 & 26 at 8 p.m.
The Cedar Cultural Center Presents The Global Get-Together – Aug. 27 & 28 at 8 p.m.
Malamanya – Aug. 29 & 30 at 8 p.m.
Pam McNeill – Janis, Stevie, Dolly, and Me – Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. & Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca
BATO BATO!
Café Accordion Orchestra
Gizzae
Hank Thunander Band
Intoxicats
Jack Brass Band
Los Elegidos De La Música Norteña
Native Pride Dancers
PanAtics
TigerByteFace
Tyte Phitt
Brad Weston
The Chipper Experience! Where Comedy & Magic Collide!
The Dollipops
Hip Hop Juggler
Kenny Ahern
Lizzy – Comedy Stage Hypnosis
Monster Shop Bump'n
MSF County Fair Talent Contest
Armenian Dance Ensemble of Minnesota
Art of Dance Studio
Cinema Ballroom Dance Studio
Dance and Entertainment Studios
Daybreak Collective
House of Dance
Keri Simonson's Salsa Dance
Line Dance Minnesota
Line Dance with Billie
Mactír Academy of Irish Dance
Minnesota Africans United
Minnesota Polka Dancers
Miss Shannon's Sock Hop
Pleasant Valley Cloggers
Prairie Fire Choir
Rhythm & Swing
Rince na Chroi Irish Dance
River City Cloggers
Somali Museum Dance Troupe
Square Dance Federation of Minnesota
Tango Society of Minnesota
West Coast Swing
Wild Rose Cloggers
Young Fiddlers Association of Minnesota
Zumba® Fitness
All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash and Timberworks Lumberjack Show at The North Woods Stage
The daily parade at 2 p.m. with floats, special guests, the State Fair High School Marching Band Competition and more.
Arts A'Fair, a celebration of performing arts in Minnesota with pop-up dance, theater and musical showcases (schedule to be announced)
Mia Dorr's Premier Karaoke in The Garden.
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Buzz Feed
4 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
28 Cratejoy Subscriptions To Treat Yourself To
A box full of Mexican candy and snacks that'll excite your tastebuds as they go on a new adventure of flavors you may have never tried or even seen before. Promising review: "Remember when you were a child and you got a piece of candy? How much joy did you get from that moment, for whatever reason? Basically, it was just so much happiness because sugar is life for kids. Whenever I was given Mexican candy, I was always really happy because it wasn't just was sweet and spicy, or sweet and salty, or a combination of all three. It was a special treat that I enjoyed. Now here I am as an adult (or close to it) and I find MexiCrate. Literally my new favorite thing. It reminds me of some old favorite candies, as well as some new ones that I've never tried and that is the best thing ever. I highly recommend you try this if you have a love for Mexican candy or just love to try some interesting sweet options. You won't regret it!" —Nic $26.39+/month A resin art kit to create gemstone vanity trays, resin lamps with built-in lights, a free-form geode with real crystals, or even a resin river charcuterie board. IDK about you, but resin crafts have always piqued my interest, and I've been too scared to try them myself. This is the perfect way to get started! The kit comes with everything you need to create your work of art!Promising review: "I REALLY loved my boxes!! I ordered a six-month subscription, and each box I have received has been a fun and interesting art project. I have tried many art forms before and now have learned new ones! If I had any questions, everything was answered quickly and in an understandable, manner. I love this!!" —Julie $58.32+/month A cocktail kit so you can be your very own professional bartender, whipping up delicious drinks without any thought of what to put in them. You even get to specify your fave types of alcohol so you don't get stuck with tequila (🤢) if you're a vodka lover. Each kit serves 6–8 review: "I love my monthly cocktail kit from Cocktail Courier. It's a really great value, and my eyes and palate have been opened to cocktails I'd normally never have tried. All ingredients necessary (except ice) are included, and the instructions are very easy to follow. This will not strain your bartending capabilities (just get a good shaker). As for logistics, you can choose a delivery frequency that works for you, exclude spirits you don't care for, and easily swap for another kit if the first choice doesn't appeal. This is by far my favorite splurge of the last year." —Kelly $40.25+/month (available in standard and non-alcoholic versions) A charcuterie experience with all the meats, cheese, crackers, and accoutrements you could need. PLUS instructions on how to lay it out to create a work of art instead of a hodgepodge of finger foods. Promising review: "Opening my box was an absolute joy from the beginning. I, not the most artsy person in the world, would have just scattered all the meats and cheeses on the board and called it a day. But right on top is a step-by-step guide for building your board that you can follow to a tee, or take any direction you'd like and have fun with it. It's all about the presentation with these things. But the real icing on top… is the little honey stick you get alongside all of the amazing food. It's so cute and fun. This box is all about the details from start to finish." —Matthew $66.58+/month (available in two sizes) A box for bath lovers carefully curated with salts, scrubs, and bombs that fit a theme for each month. You're going to enter a state of relaxation just opening this box. Imagine how serene it'll be when you actually use the products. Each box contains 5–7 items, including bath bombs, bubble bath, bath salts, whipped soap scrubs, and more! There's even a tubless option if you wanna enjoy amazing body products but don't enjoy taking baths. Promising review: "This is a really, really great box! Only got one so far, but the bath bombs were probably some of the BEST I've ever used. Loved the whipped soap and lotion. Everything was wonderful. Cannot wait to see what I get next month!!" —Mindy $39.56+/month A sock subscription perfect for anyone who loves to express themselves through goofy clothes. This is a great option for people who have a more formal dress code at work but still want to be an individual. Kind of like a mullet but for your outfit... business on the top, party on your feet. Promising review: "These are the most comfortable socks I have ever worn. And now I am known as the lady with the fun socks. I renewed with the 12-month subscription so I will always have fun, comfortable socks." —Robin $11.91+/month (available in men's and women's sizes) An artisan soap box with picks that are handmade in small batches so you can feel good about the ingredients. Reviewers rave about how amazing they smell and that the scent actually lasts. Promising review: "Good quality ingredients, dense creamy soap, does not dry out skin. Great aromas that aren't the typical boring ones. Very good soap! This is the opinion of a soap maker. 🙂" —Willow $9.33+/month (boxes come in three quantities of soap) A box full of comic books curated by comic bookstore owners, so they really know what they are doing when selecting your monthly collection. From Scooby Doo and Disney to Power Rangers and X-Men, there is something for everybody. Each month the box will include six new comic review: "Our family LOVES Comic Crate! We have been getting a monthly subscription for a few years now. My son has grown up reading these comics and loves them so much! If he doesn't like a certain type of comic that is sent (which rarely happens), he sends a postcard requesting something different, and Comic Crate is so responsive and always strives to meet his reading needs! We are so impressed and look forward to new comics every month!" —BrittanyPrice: $30.83+/month A luxury candle box with way better scents and quality than those big name brand stores. Annnnd these are nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free, so you can feel good while making your house smell good, too. These candles are hand-poured in small batches using 100% soy, premium fragrances, essential oils, and a cotton wick. They burn for 60–80 hours, depending on the size you review: "I'm a big candle-lover, but I can attest that these are truly the best candles. They are beautiful and smell so good! I give them as gifts regularly, and then those recipients buy more of them on their own. They are the shining star of my kitchen. I love it when people walk into my house and say, 'What is that?? It always smells so good in here!' It's the best compliment and I'm happy to share the secret — it's these candles!!" —Anne W. Price: $40+/month (available in two candle sizes) A dog and ~pawrent~ relaxation box because you deserve to treat yourself, but your fur baby also deserves to feel the love. You guys will each love your individual goodies, but I'm willing to bet the favorite will be pretty much anything matching so you and your pup can be twinsiessss. Each box comes with a mixture of relaxation rituals, self-care goodies, dog toys, dog treats, accessories for you and your pupper, and review: "What a treat for me and my dog! I ordered the Dog Mom VIP box for myself, and it was so much fun to receive. The box and packaging are beautiful, so opening it felt like a real treat for me! My dog loved the toy and treats (the stuffed eggnog fit perfectly in his mouth, and he has been walking around squeaking it for days). I really enjoyed the bath salts and bath bomb. (They were rose scented, which happens to be my favorite scent!) There were matching scarves inside for me and my dog. I never thought about purchasing something like that for myself, but I have really enjoyed our matching outfits! So stylish!" —Jane $49.99+/month A box that'll help you learn to sketch and paint different plants and animals with step-by-step instructions and video guides. The Louvre is already preparing for your upcoming exhibition. It comes with high-quality paint and watercolor review: "WOW! I absolutely loved this gift! Everything was very high quality and so beautifully packaged. After completing the lessons, I was inspired to go outside and sketch independently. The video lessons were so relaxing. Just the break I needed. I highly recommend this class! 😍" —Harriet $45/month A book box featuring dramas and thrillers with a ~twist~ that'll have you on the edge of your seat the whole time you're reading. The only problem with this box is you have to wait like 3.5 weeks for the next book since you couldn't put it down and finished it in just a few days. You'll even get some surprise goodies each month! Promising review: "One of my absolute favorite subscription boxes! Everything is so wonderfully curated, shipping time is superb, and customer service at Plot Twist Parcel is unbeatable." —LisaPrice: $17.08+/month A wine club that takes into consideration your palette so you will always like the wines you receive. Just grab some cheese or chocolates and enjoy your new selection. Each box comes with three review: "We're enjoying our wines so much! I absolutely love the description cards and recipes included, and have already tried several. The wines are very well matched to the recipes. So far we've just received whites per my initial subscription survey, but I've requested a change to a mix of red and white and can't wait to try some of the reds or rosé." —Linda $64.99/month A board game box so you can host monthly game nights that don't get boring and repetitive, playing the same thing over and over. Promising review: "Loved getting games each month this winter! It gave my husband and me something to look forward to, and it was fun trying out new games we wouldn't typically pick out!! Great customer service as well!" —ChristinePrice: $29.99+/month A monthly taste of Italy jam-packed with pastas (obviously), spreads, salami, coffees, chocolates, and so much more. This is what dreams are made of. Speaking of dreams, I wonder if they include Paolo in any of the shipments... Promising review: "I am so excited to open this box every single month. Beautifully wrapped and packaged, even glass items arrive safely. This box always feels like a decadent treat and totally worth the price." —Alise $99.91+/month A baseball card box sure to be a home run for any baseball lover. You may get boxes, packs, cards, supplies, and even things like autographs, game-used relics, and patch cards! You can even specify your favorite team. Promising review: "We got this subscription for our 10-year-old son. He absolutely loves it. He gets a nice variety of cards from his favorite team, along with another pack of mixed teams and players. It's a great price for the amount of cards he gets. Very pleased with this seller and the baseball cards. We renewed the subscription again and can't wait to see what he gets next!" —Ashley $63+/month (available in three versions) An "Escape the Crate" box so you can have all the fun and suspense of an escape room, but from the comfort of your own home. You can expect to spend 2–3 hours on each one, but they're divided into chapters, so you can take breaks if needed. Which is honestly a godsend 'cause I know I can't be the only one who has gone into an escape room only to become very overwhelmed after 30 minutes, wishing we could pause for a little while. This is designed for ages 10+ and can be played solo or with up to six people. The kit comes with envelopes, glossy papers, and props, plus access to a website where you can input codes to see audio/visual elements. Promising review: "We have played over 30 physical escape rooms and as many other board game escape games. We have now played two Escape the Crate games, and they are as fun as any escape game out there and almost as fun as the better escape rooms (especially when you have played most of them around where you live). We started with one stand-alone box, but after playing that one, immediately signed up for the subscription." —LauriePrice: $26.50+/month (boxes are shipped bi-monthly) A shaving kit subscription that comes with everything you need to turn into a pro and finally stop giving yourself wicked razor burn every time you wanna get rid of your five o'clock shadow. Note: this is a bi-monthly subscription, so you will only receive a box every other kit includes a shaving soap/cream, 10 replacement blades, and two full-size grooming products that change each time you get a box. Your very first box will also come with a classic single-blade safety razor, a shaving brush, and step-by-step $33.32+/month A baking kit so you can make scrumptious treats without worrying about messing up the measurements or having all the random tools lying around. This kit comes with pre-measured non-perishable dry ingredients, a recipe card, specialty baking tools, and review: "SO MUCH FUN!!! I was gifted the Crumble Crate subscription in the summer of last year and have absolutely loved it. I've been able to learn so many new baking techniques and have loved all the additional baking tools that I didn't have before! I save every recipe card and have been able to enjoy them over and over again — my family has been begging for me to make the lemon poppy seed cake again, one of our favorites!" —EmilyPrice: $47.95+/month An exotic noodles box perfect for any ramen lovers out there who never know exactly which flavor to buy next. You'll get some packaged versions and some bowl versions, but no matter the form, they're all bound to be delicious. Promising review: "The variety of noodle options they offered was really impressive and nicely put together. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the delivery arrived, and most importantly, the noodles were absolutely delicious." —Raul $18.66+/month (available in four quantities) An art supplies subscription box that'll have a different theme depending on the month — from watercolors to markers to pens to acrylics to pastels and more! Everything you need to create something beautiful will be included. Promising review: "I love my Paletteful packs, I just received my fourth box. It's like Christmas receiving all the art supplies. Love all the products and I have been using them all. Very high quality. Love, love, love. ❤️" —Karen $39.90+/month A box of six vintage vinyl records curated from genres you like, so you don't end up with some folk music if your taste is more hip-hop and rap. Promising review: "I'm absolutely thrilled with my subscription experience! The team went above and beyond to accommodate my preferences. Their customer service is exceptionally responsive, friendly, and genuinely cares about delivering a personalized experience. The record selections are fantastic, and I couldn't be happier with the thoughtful curation. Highly recommend this service to any music lover!" —Zade $25.83+/month A vegetarian snack box that includes bars, granola, cookies, popcorn, and even candy, so you can find your new fave treat. And this isn't just a treat for you because each box includes a donation of 10 meals to No Kid Hungry!! The box is filled with 8–10 individually wrapped snacksPromising review: "My diet is complex due to a couple of chronic health conditions. This box is wonderful for me since it has some things I wasn't aware of to try, plus a couple of old favorites. I love it and everything in it. :) Fun and arrived very quickly. Thank you!" —Marie $29.41+/month A BBQ experience box for any grill masters who want to level up their ingredients but don't know where to start. You'll also get recipes that include your new ingredients, so you aren't just thrown spices and sauces with no direction on how to make them into a delicious meal. Each box has five or more premium BBQ sauces, dry rubs, marinades, grilling accessories, and other surprises. And 2+ recipes for each product in the review: "This was a gift for my dad, and he and my mom absolutely loved the monthly boxes. They raved about the many different sauces and rubs. He'll be getting a repeat this year because he loved it so much!!!" —M $40.99+/month A single-cup coffee club membership so you can discover new flavors and blends you might not have picked out on your own at the store. These are definitely tastier than that generic grocery store brand you typically buy. Each box has 15 K-Cups in three different blends. You can choose to have flavored, non-flavored, or a review: "I received my sample boxes as a gift that I was able to enjoy for three months. The coffee is delicious, with each choice being a blend I had never had before. I really am impressed with the selections and quality of the coffee samples. It's the perfect gift to give a coffee drinker and one they are sure to enjoy." —Vicki $18.99+/month An adult crafting box that'll teach you new skills and techniques you can replicate on many projects to come. It'll be such a fun surprise each month to find out what you are creating this time — from wood working to resin to engraving, you're going to be an ~artistic~ Jack of all trades in a few months! Each month is a different type of craft. The box will include everything you may need — tools, materials, accessories, and review: "Love the uniqueness of this subscription, and that you can buy a la carte as well. They always seem to be ahead of the trend and bring out innovative crafts that are very practical. Even my husband enjoyed the craft night we did for a date night they put on. I tell everyone it's a great gift or date idea." —CynthiaPrice: $33+/month A box of Finders Seekers mystery puzzles so each month you can explore a new city through puzzles, codes you'll decipher, and escape room challenges. A jerky snob box that is honestly a STEAL, cause any time I look at jerky, it's like 10 bucks for one bag, and with this, you'll get a variety pack for a much better price. Did you know sweet orange jerky existed? Doubt it! And who knows, you might discover your new favorite flavor. Promising review: "I got this as a gift for a jerky-loving friend. He has loved it. He said that the selection was awesome and the jerky was delicious. He seemed to enjoy getting the package every month. Definitely a great gift and I would do it again." —Melissa $16.49+/month (available with two, four, or eight bags each month)
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Daniel Ricciardo Slammed by Fans Over Controversial Social Media Post
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is under fire from fans after making a controversial social media post. Since leaving the F1 grid, Ricciardo has remained silent. He stepped away from the sport and the spotlight in totality. He broke his silence on June 18, opting to release a controversial advertisement on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Ricciardo partnered with the Australian sports betting company Dabble. Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills and Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo pose for a photo before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Orchard Park, New... Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills and Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo pose for a photo before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. More Photo by TimothyHe announced a competition that will have a winner and a guest who will travel from an English airport to the United States for an American football weekend extravaganza. The prize offers flights, a three-night stay, VIP tickets to the tailgate party, and a meet-and-greet with the driver. The contest is named The Ultimate Texas Tailgate with Daniel Ricciardo. To enroll, people have to create an account on the Dabble app. I've given retirement a crack, but It's not for me. So, I've teamed up with the legends at Dabble to start a Tailgate business... Check it out at What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit… — Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) June 18, 2025 All over the world, sports gambling is growing as more areas continue to legalize it. In the United States, sports betting is everywhere, essentially inescapable for a sports fan. As the industry grows, people are becoming more and more aware of gambling addictions and the risks of making them more accessible. The aftermath of Ricciardo's announcement was a wave of negative comments under the post, many of which were disappointed by his promotion of a gambling company. "Would have supported the tailgate business idea without the direct link to a betting company, man. Disappointed," a user commented. "What a shame. You're shilling for a gambling company. JFC. Surely you don't need the money that badly," another said. "Seriously mate? Money that tight is it? Of all the things you choose to put your name and face on you chose gambling? So bloody disappointing," a third added. "Yikes! Considering Aussies gamblers have the highest losses per capita in the world and a high rate of teenagers on gambling sites, this isn't it DR," a person posted. "Come on mate I'm a massive fan but this isn't at all something good to put your name to. Gambling destroys lives, surely there's better things to work with," a fifth person said. Ricciardo is far from the only athlete to take money from a gambling company, but his set of fans have shared their disappointment over his willingness to promote the vice. The Australian racer left F1 back in 2024 after being replaced during the season by Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Red Bull Racing gave him another opportunity with the team in 2023, hoping he would beat out teammate Yuki Tsunoda and rebuild his confidence, but it never clicked. After several races, the higher-ups at Red Bull decided to give Lawson a look, leaving Ricciardo on the outside looking in. Since leaving, Ricciardo has promoted his wine company and clothing brand while staying away from the limelight until now. Given the negative reaction, it will be interesting to see if he continues to advertise Dabble or calls an end to the tailgate party.
Los Angeles Times
4 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Korean American artist reflects on her parents' immigrant experience in Tustin gallery exhibit
When Korean American artist Wendy Park was growing up in Southern California in the 1980s and '90s, the Compton Fashion Center swap meet was her playground. 'I grew up with immigrant parents from Korea and we worked in the swap meets all over L.A. We did Norwalk, Palmdale, Paramount and Compton was a place that I remember vividly,' said Park. 'I remember it being such a beautiful, colorful place.' Park's early life at the swap meet and her parents' immigrant experience are at the center of her third solo exhibition at Various Small Fires OC gallery in Tustin. Titled 'Of Our Own,' Park's paintings explore artifacts and rituals of daily life as an immigrant and the objects that can connect a current home to one left behind. In the exhibition, the large doubled paneled work, ''90s Compton Swap Meet' captures an uncharacteristically quiet moment at the swap meet, void of both customers and vendors. A carousel of sunglasses for sale with hand mirrors tied to the display sits along side a jungle of plants, some hanging and others potted in plastic pink swans. A broom, trash bag and metal hand truck lean against the brick wall, evidence of the work being done, next to a stall that sells baby strollers and battery-operated toy puppies that bark and flip. 'My mom was telling me how this really was a place of community,' said Park. 'It used to be a Sears building and a Korean man bought it and made all these little stalls and inside there were more kiosks and stalls. It was a place where Korean immigrants who don't have access to starting a business could come and work.' Swap meets themselves tend to be place of community for immigrant populations. They are places where they hear their own language spoken and purchase products and ingredients specific to their needs. 'This is painted from a woman's perspective of that era,' Park said of the work. 'It was a place of opportunity for Korean immigrants.' The subject matter is an incredibly timely one, given the countless raids made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement across the nation in recent weeks with immigrant marketplaces and hubs like Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, MacArthur Park and downtown Santa Ana targeted locally. 'Immigrants are the most hardworking people. They leave their families, they leave everything they know to come and start a new life. It is tragic that they finally get here, overcome their struggles and maybe live a good life and then get taken away,' Park said about the current climate. 'It is heartbreaking to see. It is an unfair situation and done poorly.' Park received a BFA from Otis College of Art & Design and spent 13 years in Disney animation. The bright colors that inform her work draw on that experience while also reflecting her point of view as a child, how colorful and alive the world seemed to her then. She references both American pop and Korean folk art in her work and makes newspaper kiosks, coin laundry carts and pots of Tiger Balm worthy of investigation. In 'Charms Cash' wads of dollar bills are tightly rubber-banded and stored in a can used to hold hard candy. 'It's really difficult for immigrants to trust the banking systems,' said Park. 'They are afraid of how much information they have to give or what might happen. My parents would hide money in the house or store it at the swap meet in candy containers like this.' Park's father sold plants at the swap meet and she got in the habit of hiding things in the plastic swan pots popular in the era, which are present in 'Go Swan' alongside an open can of beer and lit cigarette over a Korean board game. Some pieces are also historic documentation of sites that might otherwise be lost to fleeting memory. 'Western and 5th' depicts Korean market signage that no longer exists, but Park recalled visiting the center as child with her grandmother and aunts. The memory was unearthed with the help of an old photo of the 1992 L.A. riots. The concept for the '90's Compton Swap Meet' piece is an idea Park said she has carried in her mind for a while and its completion was made possible partly by oral history shared by her mother. When the two of them couldn't agree on the coloring of the building facade of the Compton swap meet, Park used a hip hop music video for reference. 'My mom members it as a brick-colored storefront but I was telling her I remember it like a rainbow,' said Park. 'I was watching a Tupac music video and it showed it with these colors in it.' Her memories helped Park piece together a more accurate representation of the place she and her family spent long days. Hours at the swap meet were so demanding in fact, that the family often couldn't get to church on Sundays. 'There was actually a room inside the Compton swap meet where they would all have fellowship and pray and have Bible study on Sunday,' said Park. The religious community found at the Compton Fashion Center is depicted in the wooden crucifix featured in the work. While Park remembers the swap meet fondly, she admits her mother has expressed a desire for her talented daughter to choose a more pleasing subject to paint. 'She is like, 'you can paint anything in the world, why are you painting the swap meet?'' said Park. But while her mother sees the family's tenure at the swap meet as a time she would just as soon forget, Park said the memories give her a sense of pride and reminds her how hard her parents worked to create a better life. 'For me, it is so admirable,' said Park. Mostly, Park hopes her art will encourage people to keep an open mind about others who might be living with fear for themselves or their loved ones as ICE raids continue. Park said now is the time immigrant families like need their community more than ever. 'The biggest thing is empathy; have an open heart and protect those who need it right now,' said Park. 'A lot of people are afraid to go out and get groceries, or do simple things.' Wendy Park's solo exhibition 'Of Our Own' is on view through July 19 at VSF OC, 119 N. Prospect Ave., Tustin. The gallery is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
