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
2024 Bush Prize: Minnesota Winners
Congratulations to these Minnesota nonprofit organizations recognized for their strong histories of innovation and community problem solving.
See the Winners
Engaging Communities for Change Through Grantmaking
Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is partnering with nonprofits, donors and anti-racism advocates to make a better Minnesota in this video with President and CEO Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D.
Hear from Dr. Jolly
Songs of Connection: Conductor Strives to Desegregate the Choral Community
Music is a universal language, and no one knows that more than Ahmed Fernando Anzaldúa El Samkary.
See the project
Foundation Makes First Grant in Partnership with the Taylor Family Farms Foundation
Winona Health plans to expand its community health services to support seniors with a new grant.
Learn More
Investing in Our Democracy: Supporting Civic Engagement Nonprofits
The Foundation and our donors are learning from and supporting local organizations that put democracy into action.
View the Grants
Saint Paul Urban Tennis
Tennis is more than a game for local nonprofit Saint Paul Urban Tennis players and coaches.
View more photos
Pawsitively Generous: A Couple’s Legacy for Animals
Steve and Betsy leave a lasting impact on animal welfare as part of their estate plan.
Read Their Story
Nonprofits 101
Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to strengthen our community.
Learn More