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JAMIE KALAKARU-MAVA

HALF A WORLD AWAY

April 02, 2024 - April 30, 2024

about the exhibition

on view: april 2 - april 30

Half a World Away is a vibrantly illustrated children’s book by Minnesota author Jamie (Schumacher) Kalakaru-Mava. The story  follows young Esme and her family on their journey through the South Asian island country of Sri Lanka. There, Esme reunites with her Nana, who gives her a sketch book and encourages Esme to draw her memories. Esme’s sketchbook becomes filled with beautiful illustrations of their family’s adventures, imbued with the rich tradition and aesthetics of Sri Lankan batik. 

 

This children's book is based on Jamie's family story and their return trip with her dad. Original works by Jamie, including the vibrant book illustrations will be on display.

about

the exhibition

on view:  april 02 - april 30

Half a World Away is a vibrantly illustrated children’s book by Minnesota author Jamie (Schumacher) Kalakaru-Mava. The story  follows young Esme and her family on their journey through the South Asian island country of Sri Lanka. There, Esme reunites with her Nana, who gives her a sketch book and encourages Esme to draw her memories. Esme’s sketchbook becomes filled with beautiful illustrations of their family’s adventures, imbued with the rich tradition and aesthetics of Sri Lankan batik. 

 

This children's book is based on Jamie's family story and their return trip with her dad. Original works by Jamie, including the vibrant book illustrations will be on display.

upcoming events

events &

creative

workshops

Saturday, February 16th, 2024

@6PM - 9PM

Opening Reception of Exhibition

Located at XIA Gallery & Cafe

Come celebrate the exhibition and celebrate Lunar New Year with the 12 artists. Come meet and learn about their creative works.

 

There will be a live performance by Phoenix Chinese Dance Academy and light food will be served. 

SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday, April 2nd @4PM - 6PM

International Children's Book Day

Join us for a children's book reading event! Jamie Kalakaru-Mava’s will be reading her children’s book, Half a World Away. There will be additional reading from two other authors. We will have arts & craft activities as well.

Saturday, April 13th @4PM - 8PM

Exhibition Reception |Half a World Away by Jamie Kalakaru-Mava 

We’re excited to announce the release of Jamie Kalakaru-Mava’s debut children’s book, Half a World Away. The heartwarming story features Esme, a young girl that travels to her father's home country of Sri Lanka. Original works by the artist, including the vibrant book illustrations will be on display at XIA Gallery from April 2-30. Join us as we celebrate the launch!

Tuesday, April 02, 2024 @4PM - 6PM

International Children's Book Day

Located at XIA Gallery & Cafe

Join us for a children's book reading event! Jamie Kalakaru-Mava’s will be reading her children’s book, Half a World Away. There will be additional reading from two other authors. We will have arts & craft activities as well.

We’re excited to announce the release of Jamie Kalakaru-Mava’s debut children’s book, Half a World Away. The heartwarming story features Esme, a young girl that travels to her father's home country of Sri Lanka. Original works by the artist, including the vibrant book illustrations will be on display at XIA Gallery from April 2-30. Join us as we celebrate the launch!

Located at XIA Gallery & Cafe

Saturday, April 13, 2024 @4PM - 8PM

Exhibition Reception | Half a World Away by Jamie Kalakaru-Mava

Tuesday, April 2nd @4PM - 6PM

International Children's Book Day

Join us for a children's book reading event! Jamie Kalakaru-Mava’s will be reading her children’s book, Half a World Away. There will be additional reading from two other authors. We will have arts & craft activities as well.

Saturday, April 13th @4PM - 8PM

Exhibition Reception | Half a World Away by Jamie Kalakaru-Mava 

We’re excited to announce the release of Jamie Kalakaru-Mava’s debut children’s book, Half a World Away. The heartwarming story features Esme, a young girl that travels to her father's home country of Sri Lanka. Original works by the artist, including the vibrant book illustrations will be on display at XIA Gallery from April 2-30. Join us as we celebrate the launch!

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meet the artist

Jamie Kalakaru-Maka

Jamie (Schumacher) Kalakaru-Mava is an artist and a writer living in Bloomington, Minnesota. By day, she  works with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in support of the Twin Cities cultural districts and  also serves as a Creative Placemaking Commissioner. By night, she dances with words and paint. Jamie’s  work has been featured in Pollen, Star Tribune, and MN Women’s Press. Her two books It’s Never Going  To Work (2018) and Butterflies and Tall Bikes (2021) are narrative nonfictions featuring Minnesota’s  creative communities. Jamie performs comedy as an active member of the Funny Asian Women  Kollective, is a Loft Literary Center Mirrors and Windows fellow, and this is her children’s book debut.  

  • Untitled design (6)
  • Instagram

Jamie (Schumacher) Kalakaru-Mava is an artist and a writer living in Bloomington, Minnesota. By day, she  works with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in support of the Twin Cities cultural districts and  also serves as a Creative Placemaking Commissioner. By night, she dances with words and paint. Jamie’s  work has been featured in Pollen, Star Tribune, and MN Women’s Press. Her two books It’s Never Going  To Work (2018) and Butterflies and Tall Bikes (2021) are narrative nonfictions featuring Minnesota’s  creative communities. Jamie performs comedy as an active member of the Funny Asian Women  Kollective, is a Loft Literary Center Mirrors and Windows fellow, and this is her children’s book debut.  

Jamie Kalakaru-Maka
  • Untitled design (6)
  • Instagram
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