Skip to main content

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.

video poster

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

Fall 2025 Food Assistance: What You Can Do

Nonprofits, community partners and food shelves are working swiftly to provide resources to fill in the gap as best they can.

View the list

Fall Harvest: Food Support Nonprofits

Meet a few of our nonprofit partners that provide food access and hunger relief services to the East Metro.

View the list

Strengthening Democracy: Community Voices and Civic Engagement in Minnesota

Here’s how philanthropy, local leadership and trusted news can shape Minnesota’s democratic future.

See the Highlights

Finding Common Ground: Facilitating Cultural Change Workshop

Changing my perspective has changed my approach to finding common ground and building community.

See the Highlights

Brass Solidarity: Bringing Music to George Floyd Square

Trumpet player Butchy Austin and his band, Brass Solidarity, use their sound for good every Monday in George Floyd Square.

See the project

Minnesota Latino Museum: Celebrating Mexican and Latino Art and Culture

Learn how one organization is establishing an arts and cultural landmark in Saint Paul.

See the Highlights

Announcing Our 2025 Facing Race Award Recipients

This year’s awards recognize five Minnesotans building solutions that unite instead of divide from Saint Paul and Minneapolis to Duluth and Winona.

Read the News

Making Red Wing an Arts & Culture Destination

Art adds value to every community – and in Red Wing, Minnesota, a collaboration is bolstering economic growth and cultural vibrancy.

See the Highlights

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field