Art In This Present Moment
Immortalizing Moments with Artist Thai Phan-Quang
Thai Phan-Quang, also known as Thaiphy, has helped capture images in the Twin Cities for over 20 years. He has covered everything from skateboarding to the social justice movement with his lens.
For Art In This Present Moment, Thaiphy uses his passions for skateboarding and photography to create an innovative giving project using photo graffiti. Playing off a concept he got from a skateboard magazine, Thrasher, he captures images at a certain location and leaves a photo with a note encouraging finders to either take the photo or leave it for the next person to take and admire.
The Artist
Thai Phan-Quang - professional event and portrait photographer, skateboarder and skateboard videographer
“The present is … so fleeting. And photography allows you to capture these moments and actually immortalize them. And it just fits in this present moment.”
Thaiphy Phan-Quang
About the Organization
To combat the invisibility and dehumanization of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) women, Funny Asian Women Kollective (FAWK) uses humor and comedy to tell distinct stories of the Asian community.
Art In This Present Moment
This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. We provided grants to three Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
More Stories
A Community Lifeline in Changing Times
Valley Outreach connects thousands of families to food, resources and a welcoming community.
Meet Valley Outreach
Giving Rooted in Gratitude
A life-saving experience at Children’s Minnesota transforms Jeff and Janet von Gillern’s gratitude into lasting generosity.
Watch the video
Bridge to Basics: Hygiene Support Bonded by Friendship
Friends Rana Khoury and Kristie Thibodeau turn shared commitment to volunteering into a bustling nonprofit.
Watch the video
Thoughtful Giving, Grounded in Community
Learn why partnering with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation can improve your philanthropic giving.
See How
When It’s Time to Sell: How One Business Owner Used Private Stock to Multiply His Impact
As he prepared to exit a long-held company, Al Geiwitz discovered how donating privately held stock could reduce taxes and fuel long-term giving.
Meet Al
Holding Hope When It Matters Most
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s president and CEO shares how humility, hope and deep relationships guide her leadership.
Read the Q&A
Caring for Pets When Families Need It Most
From food shelves to veterinary care, Minnesota nonprofits are responding to the ripple effects of immigration enforcement.
Meet the Organizations