XIA Books & Café

06/16/2026

Join us for Origins, an editorial photography exhibition presented by School of Fillet .studios Fillet Studios

Through the School of Fillet, a 2-month mentorship program, five emerging photographers explored the foundations of creative direction, visual storytelling, editorial photography techniques, and leading studio productions from concept to completion. With mentorship, collaboration, and experimentation, each student developed a unique photographic body of work centered around the theme Origins.

Origins invites a deeper exploration of the ideas, emotions, identities, memories, and experiences that shape who we are. Each photographer was challenged to interpret the theme through their own lens, creating work that reflects what resonates most deeply in their lives and creative practices.

The resulting exhibition showcases five distinct editorial series that move between personal reflection and artistic experimentation, offering intimate perspectives on identity, expression, belonging, transformation, and self-discovery. We invite you to experience these stories, connect with the artists, and celebrate the culmination of their creative journeys.

🎉 Grand Opening

Sunday, June 28th (1PM-3PM)
XIA Books & Café
422 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN

The exhibition will be available through July 12th at XIA Books & Café. This is a free event that is open to the public.

⭐️ Featuring:

Cynthia Abalo
Denise Pike .pike
Hakeem Martins .e.em
Keira Taylor .bykeira
Melynda Yang .jpg

Program brought to you by Asian Media Access, Pan Asian Artist Alliance, Minnesota DEED and Fillet Studios.

06/16/2026

Don't forget to sign up and secure your spot for our upcoming book talk event with best-selling authors Curtis Chin and Jeff Yang!

RSVP: https://bit.ly/4us3EEb

This is your chance to listen to their conversation about Asian American cultures in "The Things That Made Us: Family, Food, and Film."

Sunday, June 28, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM XIA Books & Café

Curtis Chin, writer, filmmaker, and co-founder of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, shares a moving and funny look at identity, family, and growing up in 1980s Detroit in his memoir Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.

Jeff Yang, journalist, cultural critic, and author, has spent decades chronicling the Asian American experience through books like The Golden Screen and Rise.

Together, they continue to spark important conversations about history, representation, and community.

06/15/2026

📚 Get ready for Talk of the Stacks with Ocean Vuong at Minneapolis Central Library by stopping by XIA Books first!

Before the event, make sure to stop by XIA Books & Café to purchase your copies of Ocean Vuong’s books. Pick up your favorite title, get event-ready, and come prepared to join the conversation.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Ocean Vuong’s work and grab your books in advance! We also have a limited amount of his earlier poetry books in stock!

XIA Books & Café focuses on uplifting Asian American creators, authors, and artisans. We proudly carry Asian books and Asian-fusion drinks that you can't find elsewhere.

XIA is not affiliated with this event. Learn more at https://www.supporthclib.org/ocean-vuong

06/13/2026

New arrivals!

06/10/2026

Join us at for a paj ntaub workshop open to all ages and skill levels. Under the guidance of Mama Suzanne, participants will learn cross-stitching and get hands-on support throughout the session.

Kits are available for purchase from Mama Suzanne or XIA on the day of the workshop for $6 each, so everyone can learn and create together.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/4e3w9TC

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About the Artist
Suzanne Thao, 68, was born "Xyo Mim (in reference to the first star next to the moon) Vaj "in Phou Mou, Long Cheng, Laos. Suzanne learned Hmong paj ntaub (Hmong embroidery) at the age of six from her paternal grandmother Mee Xiong and mother Chia Lo. Since 2016, Suzanne has partnered with the Hmong Museum to teach Project Paj Ntaub a three-hour monthly class, where participants learn and make one of the three traditional Hmong paj ntaub techniques: cross-stitch, reverse appliqué and appliqué. Outside of workshops, she also offers one-on-one mentoring time for participants who need follow up support for difficult stitches or personal projects.

06/09/2026

Join us for a moderated conversation on: The Things That Made Us: Family, Food, and Film Author Talk with Curtis Chin and Jeff Yang in St. Paul, MN

RSVP: https://bit.ly/4us3EEb
Sunday, June 28, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM XIA Books & Café

Join us for an engaging author talk with Curtis Chin and Jeff Yang as they discuss The Things That Made Us: Family, Food, and Film.

Set at XIA Books & Café, this special evening invites attendees into a thoughtful and lively conversation about the stories, memories, and cultural influences that shape identity and creative expression.

Come for an inspiring discussion, stay for the community, and enjoy an evening centered on family, food, and film.

06/05/2026

Drink of the Week 🍹✨

Beat the heat with our new summer drink: CIEL 💙 A fruity milk drink with blue curaçao, green apple, and fluffy marshmallow cream – creamy, refreshing, and perfect for hot days. Plus, you can snap a gram-worthy pic for the feed as well with these beautiful color layers!

👉 Intro price: only $5.90 📍 XIA Books & Café

Come by this week, grab a CIEL, and enjoy it with a good book in our cozy café! 💫

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

New arrivals!