April Dump brought to you by @saraagregor aka @theapsaracreative #apsaracreative #khmerculture #cambodianart #khmerrenaissance #khmerheritage #secondgeneration #khmernewyear #1111

“SHELVES OF GOLD” In My Soul of Gold, even the bookshelves tell a story. These are glimpses into the minds and hearts behind the exhibit—myself, Gabriella Sour, and Hao Taing. From mythology and memory to movement and photography, each book holds the weight of influence, reflection, and cultural lineage. A bookshelf holds the book where I first encountered the poem’s translation, a few texts that have shaped my creative life, and a collection of my mother’s books—stories that continue to guide me. A mirror beside it asks you to see yourself within this lineage and reflect on what you carry. Incense to burn gently near a golden Buddha, placed as an homage to the teachings and practices of Buddhism—a path that has been central to my personal and spiritual journey. Gabby’s shelf honors Cambodian dance books along with a few photos of Gabby in various performances and roles throughout her career. Featured on Hao’s shelf is a Cyclo puzzle along with a few of his books. -Sara Gregor Photographed by Leanghout Prom #MySoulOfGold #KhmerRenaissance #CambodianArt #ApsaraCreative #CulturalMemory #CambodianAmerican #KhmerHeritage #ArtistsOfInstagram #BookshelvesOfInstagram #ExhibitionDesign #AsianAmericanArtists #GoldenEra #CommunityThroughArt #CambodianExhibit #StorytellingThroughObjects

“Golden Sweat: Life of a Cyclo Driver”🚲✨ Photography by Hao Taing on Canvas, Gold paint and foil by Sara Gregor. Once a common sight across Cambodia, the life of a cyclo driver is now a fading story. Through this intimate series, photographer Hao Taing captures the golden resilience of those who keep pedaling against the current of modernity. This work is deeply personal to Hao—a tribute to dignity in labor and the vanishing rhythms of everyday Cambodian life. The canvas is touched with gold—a nod to the sweat, memory, and sacred energy that lives in these moments. As said in our exhibit: “Gold appears not only in metaphor and image, but in form: in sweat, in spirit, in the shimmer of stories still being lived.” This is your last weekend to view the exhibition in person. This 3 canvas set from the Golden Sweat series is still available at $610, with proceeds going directly to support the featured cyclo driver in Cambodia. 📩 To purchase, email sara@theapsaracreative.com #GoldenSweat #MySoulOfGold #CambodianStories #HaoTaing #EverydayCambodia #CambodianPhotography #SupportArtists #ArtForCommunity #CycloDriver #TouchedWithGold #FinalWeekend #ApsaraCreative

For the love of our culture ❤️🇰🇭 so much love for the angels! #cambodiannewyear #tlcnewyear #khmerculture

Dance of Gold: Final Weekend to View! Slide 1: Hanuman (Sva)*– the monkey general known for his fierce loyalty, strength, and agility. A beloved figure in the Reamker, Hanuman symbolizes devotion and divine power in action. Slide 3: Ream Eyso/Yeak*– the demon king, often portrayed in bold, commanding movements. He represents the darker forces in the cosmic balance of good and evil. Slide 4: Lok Ta Moni Eysei*– the revered hermit master spirit, embodying wisdom, serenity, and the sacred transmission of knowledge. This role honors the ancestral teacher who blesses and protects the dancers. These sacred roles, performed through Cambodian classical dance (Robam), hold centuries of meaning and carry the stories of our ancestors into the present. Come see them come to life—this is the final weekend to experience My Soul of Gold! Gallery hours: Sat & Sun, 10AM–3PM at XIA Gallery & Cafe. Photos captured by @haotaingg *Prints available to purchase starting at $40. #MySoulofGold #DanceOfGold #CambodianDance #KhmerCulture #Hanuman #Yeak #LokTa #ApsaraCreative #KhmerArt #KhmerRenaissance #GoldIsMemory #Robam #ApsaraGrannies #XIAgallery #MinnesotaArtists #FinalWeekend #CambodianHeritage #ClassicalDance #CambodianAmerican

Did you attend our show the last few weekends? If so, we want your feedback! Please leave us a review. www.theapsaracreative.com/feedback #mysoulofgold

Angels / Devata at Watt Munisotaram – April 19, 2025. I was so happy to take part in this beautiful tradition for the second year in a row. It’s always a powerful opportunity to meet other young women in the community as we come together to represent and celebrate our culture with pride. Walking as an angel is not just about dressing up—it’s about embodying tradition, carrying it with grace, and honoring those who came before us. To walk as a Devata is sacred. It’s something Cambodians do in our homeland and across the world—including right here in Hampton, Minnesota. This felt like the biggest Khmer New Year I’ve ever seen in Minnesota. Congratulations to everyone—our families, our community, and our temple—for making it so special. And don’t miss the beautiful new Buddhist stupa! Thanks to @haotaingg for covering photos of this event! -Sara Gregor #ChaulChnamThmey #WattMunisotaram #CambodianNewYear #Devata #KhmerCulture #KhmerWomen #Apsara #KhmerTradition #CambodianAmerican #MNKhmerCommunity #AngelProcession #KhmerDiaspora #CulturalPride #ApsaraCreative

My Soul of Gold is a space I created with the hope that you feel illuminated, inspired, and seen. Each of us is participating in this renaissance—filling in the gaps with gold, in our own ways. Whether through writing, speaking, movement, or quiet presence, we all have something sacred to offer. Through painting, drawing, and writing, I process. I process what my family has been through, what I am going through, and what our world continues to face. My deepest longing is for peace and harmony for every being on this earth—and I will never give up on that dream. Keep showing up in your own unique way. Your presence matters. Your voice, your story, your path—it’s all part of rebuilding the past into something more whole, more beautiful. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to go deeper into my culture. I will. I’ll continue to share more stories and art, and I hope it inspires you to keep searching for what it is you are longing for in this life. With love, Sara Gregor

“Makot Neang” and “Makot Nearong” Slide 1: Makot Neang Crown. “The Makot Neang is a traditional female crown worn by queens, goddesses, and other high-ranking female roles in Cambodian classical dance, symbolizing elegance and divine authority. Famously worn by the goddess, Moni Mekhala, this elegant headdress features a kabang (front crown) and is made of gold or a golden substitute, often adorned with gemstones. Its intricate design reflects divine femininity, power and elevated status on stage.“ Slide 2: Makot Nearong Crown. “The Makot Nearong is a traditional male crown worn by gods, princes, and royal male roles of the highest rank in Cambodian classical dance. It is commonly seen on figures such as Preah Vorachun. Made of gold or a substitute and often decorated with gemstones, this headdress signifies divine presence, royal authority, and masculine nobility on stage.” Dance of Gold honors the sacred art of Cambodian classical dance—an embodied language of memory, resilience, and reverence. The exhibition highlights the specializations of Gabriella Sour, whose performances breathe new life into traditional forms passed down across generations. Featured are four classical dances and six iconic character roles from Robam, each represented through crowns and masks that carry deep symbolic meaning. You can order prints of these images for $40 to support the artists of this exhibition and help preserve this living tradition. #DanceOfGold #CambodianDance #Robam #ApsaraDance #KhmerCulture #GabriellaSour #MySoulOfGold #ApsaraCreative #CambodianHeritage #ClassicalDance #KhmerArt #SupportArtists #CulturalPreservation #CambodianAmerican #Cambodian Photographed by: Hao Taing Borrowed by: Gabriella Sour Descriptions by: Gabriella Sour Curated by: Sara Gregor

Wisdom of Gold is a collaborative offering from My Soul of Gold—a photo series that honors Cambodia’s elders as sacred vessels of resilience, wisdom, and memory. Created by photojournalist Hao Taing, with select works in collaboration with painter Sara Gregor, these images elevate those too often forgotten: grandmothers, cyclo drivers, vendors, and caretakers who carry memory in their bones. Here, gold is not just color—it’s care. It’s healing. It’s what still shines through the cracks. Hao, inspired by the art of kintsugi, sees the cracks as places where gold—and dignity—can return. Featured pieces: — Apsara Grannies canvases (photographed by Raphael Pach): $490 each — The Broken Mask (by Hao Taing & Sara Gregor): $525 70% of Apsara Grannies images proceeds support the Apsara Grannie Fund in Cambodia. (Remainder to XIA gallery cafe) If you’re interested in purchasing, please email sara@theapsaracreative.com Wisdom of Gold is on view now as part of My Soul of Gold at XIA Gallery & Cafe—a space to reflect, to witness, and to remember what we carry. MORE POSTS DROPPING THROUGHOUT THE WEEK!💛 #MySoulOfGold #WisdomOfGold #ApsaraGrannies #CambodianElders #KhmerRenaissance #Photojournalism #StorytellingAsHealing #CulturalMemory #GoldenSoul #HealingThroughArt #HaoTaing #SaraGregor #CambodianArt #DiasporaStories

💛HAPPY KHMER NEW YEAR !💛 This past weekend was full of community, arts, and blessings—from launching the exhibition: MY SOUL OF GOLD, presenting my painting of the Monday Angel, volunteering at Watt Munisotaram, to participating in my first-ever Sampeah Kru ceremony. As we welcome the Cambodian New Year, I’m reflecting on what it means to reconnect with culture, creativity, and tradition. 💛 Read the full post to follow the journey—through ritual, memory, and the spirit of a growing Khmer Renaissance. 📖 Link in bio 📍 Cambodian New Year festivities continue April 18–20 at Watt Munisotaram—come celebrate with us! #MySoulOfGold #CambodianNewYear #KhmerRenaissance #ApsaraCreative #CambodianArt #KhmerCulture #SampeahKru #CambodianDance #WattMunisotaram #KhmerHeritage #AsianAmericanArtists #TLCNewYear #MondayAngel Note: original painting (acrylic on canvas 64inx48in) has been sold Purchase photo prints of “Monday Angel” on www.theapsaracreative.com

Thanks to everyone that attended the opening of “My Soul of Gold; A Contemporary Offering of Khmer Heritage”. It is truly a gift to have an opportunity to showcase our heritage and talents. Our community is ABUNDANT. We are so grateful for those who support Khmer artists and their dreams. This show will be up until April 27th. Throughout the next two weeks @theapsaracreative will be posting more in depth about the exhibition, how to purchase art, photos from the event, and more fun stuff coming soon! Thank you Gabriella Sour of @wattanakdancetroupe for being a cultural pioneer for Cambodian-American dancers @haotaingg of @local4localkh for your drive to center, document, and honor our elders @saraagregor of @theapsaracreative for your leadership to bring an idea to life. Thank you to @xiagalleryandcafe’s Npaus Baim for being a great host of their first Cambodian exhibition. The Khmer Renaissance is in motion! (Term inspired by @khmer_renaissance page) Sousdey Chnam Thmey!🙏🏽🇰🇭

The doors open at 5:30! Come to our launch of MY SOUL OF GOLD: A CONTEMPORARY OFFERING OF KHMER HERITAGE at @xiagalleryandcafe

Gala dump🇰🇭❤️ #sangkranmagic #CAPMN

“MY SOUL OF GOLD: A CONTEMPORARY OFFERING OF KHMER HERITAGE” A debut curatorial exhibition by Cambodian-American artist Sara Gregor, presented at XIA Gallery & Cafe. This contemporary offering of Khmer heritage features storytelling, sacred imagery, and a stunning photo series by featured artist Hao Taing and spotlights Robam dancer Gabriella Sour of Wattanak Dance Troupe. Join us in honoring heritage as a living, embodied presence. Please RSVP to the reception with the link in my bio. #MySoulOfGold #KhmerHeritage #ApsaraGrannies #XiaGallery #KhmerNewYear #tlcnewyear

Watt Munisotaram had created a schedule for the Cambodian New Year. I decided to create some infographics for those interested in attending the various ceremonies scheduled for the weekend. Photos brought to you by @haotaingg ! We are so excited for the 2025 New Year!

𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘝𝘐𝘐 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘺 (2025) Happy Monday! I have some exciting announcements dropping soon. Stay tuned and here’s a throwback!

Learn more about the story of the 7 Daughters and Khmer New Year mythology by reading my most recent blog post. link in bio👑💛🙏🏽🇰🇭

Comment 777 for good luck! #AngelNumbers #777 #1111

This year we welcome the Monday Angel Koreak Tevy who offers Strength, Wisdom, and Grace. She holds a sword that represents overcoming ignorance through wisdom and insight. And a cane that represents courage and leadership. She rides a fierce tiger that helps her embody inner and outer strength. She is also graceful, adorned with pearls and jasmine flowers. Comment with a 👑or🇰🇭 if you are excited for the Khmer New Year!

In honor of the New Year which is happening in a month, here are some photos from last years angel’s procession. Our community will be celebrating the Cambodian New Year at Watt Munisotaram, guided by the Monday Angel, Angel Koreak Devy in 2025. I have written a short blog post (LINK IN BIO) if you would like to learn more about the legend. Festivities will take place April 17th-20th at Watt Munisotaram.

Learning Cambodian warm up dance “Chha bannchos” with @wattanakdancetroupe #cambodia #khmer #khmergirl #khmerdance #cambodianartist #cambodianart

Black history month Day 1 Intervisions by Stevie Wonder. (1973) Intervisions is Stevie Wonder’s 16th studio album, released in 1973. Intervisions is soulful, mixing funk, jazz, and social commentary. It includes hits like “Higher Ground” (my personal fave) and “Living for the City,” addressing themes of social change, urban struggles, and personal reflection. The album showcased Wonder’s musical growth and creativity, blending catchy melodies with powerful messages. It’s one of his most influential works! Comment your favorite song by Stevie Wonder!

New Blog Post feature on an important mentor of mine! Link in our bio to read the full story. -Sara Gregor

Repping my favorite hoodie! 🇰🇭Wearing it feels like spiritual protection. The quality is incredible too. Thanks @khmer_renaissance and @middlechild.workshop for the“Ashes to Ashes” hoodie. Can’t wait to see more collaborations like this. If you love it there’s a limited restock opening up tomorrow 1/27. This is a garment you don’t wanna miss. Flicked up by @chindagregor at Yeay house.

Getting reps in 🐍🖌️ Also repping the “ashes to ashes” hoodie by @khmer_renaissance @middlechild.workshop hoodies which are going to be on sale again soon!! #yearofthesnake #woodsnake #2025 #lunarnewyear #chinesenewyear #calligraphy #artist #calligraphyvideo

It’s almost Chinese New Year! This is the year of the Snake. 蛇 I have 8 pieces of art that will be on sale starting at $25 each. Each one comes with a personalized reading for your 2025 year of the snake, (only if you would like!) if they are a bit I will be making more! “In 2025, the year of the wood snake we will want to get grounded. It will be a great year to get connected with nature. The ground is where all decomposes and has opportunity to live again in a new form. If we want to keep building more projects and growth in our life, what better way to do that than to spend time with the OG canvas, the Earth! Snakes are also transformative, they shed their skin. I think the element of wood/earth makes this snake especially transformative in that case too. All natural things decompose, and this year reminds us where to look when building something new. Honor what was once on these grounds before you begin your epic build in 2025. Themes of shedding skin, transformation, rebirth are opportunities to treat yourself as if you were just arriving here, as a never been born on Earth-er. Have fun with it!” -The Apsara Creative

New blog post on my website. Link in bio

From “The Hymn of Asia” by Ron L. Hubbard. I recently read this work by Hubbard, and I throughly enjoyed his creative narrative of the Buddha Maitreya, Mettaya. Though I’m not much into Scientology and Dianetics, I still have a lot of respect and admiration for Hubbard’s dialouge on the future Buddha. It was a refreshing read, and honestly reminded me that we can look forward to a better future with the help of the Dharma. I included a few passages that stood out to me. I am super in to calligraphy lately so the style/craft of this book really stood out to me on top of the incredibly watercolor. (On the Buddha Maitreya/Mettaya) The Buddha Maitreya is believed to be the Future Buddha. Maitreya is said to appear on Earth when the teachings of Gautama Buddha are forgotten and humanity is in darkness. Maitreya will teach the dharma, or cosmic law, and the doctrine of universal love to help lead the world to peace and goodness.

“There You Are” from the Soul of Rumi

repost @withregram • @wattanakdancetroupe There’s still time to make a difference! Help us reach our goal for “Our Roots, Their Future.” Our campaign is dedicated to creating a brighter tomorrow. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to empowering lives and building a fruitful future for our students. Join us and be a part of this impactful journey! Donate today through the link in our bio or use the link below! https://givebutter.com/W29j8P #supportthearts #wattanakdancetroupe #holidaygiving #ourrootstheirfuture #cambodianperformingarts #empowertheyouth #donatetoday

Slide 1…Yin Yang print by @saraagregor to embody duality for our Full Moon in Gemini. Slide 2… Gemini card on top of Ensō calligraphy by @saraagregor In Zen art, an ensō (円相, “circular form”) is a circle hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes to express the Zen mind, which is associated with enlightenment, emptiness, freedom, and the state of no-mind. The last full moon of the year is great time to leave behind what no longer serves you and surrender to the divine timing of the universe. Soon, it will be 2025. I am manifesting abundance, hope, and peace for the collective as well as loving kindness to our bodies during the colder seasons. Keep your loved ones close and your tea closer! 🍵 📚 ❄️ COMMENT OR DM IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING OUR ART

☁️ I haven’t posted in a little bit. It can be difficult balancing a dream of creating a business, a new vision, cultivation of a new idea. I remember part of my business is promoting a way of life that encourages us to take pauses and reflect when we can. It’s not that I don’t have any ideas of what to post, in fact I have an abundance of content I’d love to share. It’s more about the pacing of my curation. Too much all at once can be difficult to consume. Here’s some food for your thought by Iyanla Vanzant. My friend shared this meditation with me in reflection of a tarot reading I received recently. This piece was so moving to me and came so timely. By sharing it with you all, I hope you can find the divine within stillness too. I am moved. “Meditation is not hard, Meditation is NECESSARY! Everything I need or need to know is available to me in still ness. When I am still, the power of the divine is active. If I want to be activated I must plug in. In stillness, there is knowing” From Iyanla Vanzant “One Day My Soul Just Opened Up”

Another magazine cover design! Hopefully will have a print version of these soon too. 📝NEW BLOG POST 📝 on “Confluence” at @mnidancefestival featuring @wattanakdancetroupe @khmae_urban @roza_lay photo by @haotaingg costuming @snobhouse LINK IN BIO!

I haven’t posted in a minute. Enjoy this Levi’s ad from 1971 in a Playboy magazine. #vintage #magazine #vintagemagazine #levis #fashion #fashionstyle #dressup #fashionmagazine #blogger #70sfashion #70s

More content… more designs… more information on what Apsara Creative LLC could provide✨🪷(more than a magazine)

Preview: we are recurating a vintage magazine collection from 1965-1971 … stay tuned #vintage #look #magazine #vintagemagazine #vintagestyle #magazinecover #1960s #1969 #1971

Happy MOON day! You might find yourself recovering from the powerful energy of the full moon on the 15th. Pluto moves in to Aquarius tomorrow 11/19/2024 and will remain there until March 8th 2043. This change has been a long time coming! Here’s a collective reading from the Goddess Tarot and Rebel Oracle. We are being guided to have faith in humanity and that it is okay to have professional help. The beauty of sharing this planet is having other humans who have become experts in various fields. Don’t exhaust yourself from information on the internet. Put some trust in to your community’s experts and put faith into the universe. After all, the universe is an expert at miracles if you need one!✨ Reach out to sara@theapsaracreative.com for extensive personal readings.

ព្រះច័ន្ទពេញ // FULL MOON I dont have too much too say other than I’ve let go of a lot this year this month and I’m ready for what’s next God🧘🏽‍♀️I love this beautiful little life

YOU ARE THE GARDEN អ្នកគឺជាសួនច្បារ។ TEND TO YOURSELF ទំនោរទៅខ្លួនអ្នក។ featuring my yeay and tha💓 #affirmationoftheday #affirmations #buddhism #buddhistquotes #thebuddha #cambodianculture #garden #savetheplanet #gaia #motherearth #takecareofyourself #selfcare

Alter spaces can be really powerful for your meditation practice. Especially on astrological or numerological days where you might be energized to manifest something (11/11)… it also may be that you are grieving loss or asking ancestors for questions. regardless of your reason, the way you set up an alter is everything. Alters can be personalized to meet your spiritual needs. I like to include sacred images of the Buddha, candles, sacred texts/prayers, crystals, and personal art to enhance my alter space. I usually say prayers toward my alter and go in to prayer or a meditation practice. I like to shift my alters at least every 29/30 days (the length of a moon cycle)

FALL FASHION from our founding director dressed for a Gala hosted by @theseadproject . Dress from @thecornerstorevintage made in the 60s from silks from Japan. Gold snake bracelet from 70s made in Egypt. #vintage #fallfashion #fashion #vintagefashion #vintagestyle #fallstyle

Another concept/design for the back of “Apsara” magazine… just ideas I’m playing with as I’m learning about my culture… very fun!

• Prajñāpāramitā • प्रज्ञापारमिता (Sanskrit) • ប្រាជ្ញាបារមី (Khmer) When I come to the MIA I always make my first stop at Prajñāpāramitā to pay my respects. I bow down with prayer, and accept the blessings of wisdom in which she and my ancestors, bestows upon us in the human realm. Prajñāpāramitā is the perfection of wisdom. This allows for us to see in to the true nature of reality. Its practice and understanding are taken to be indispensable elements of the Bodhisattva path. The Heart Sutras or Prajñāpāramitā is a body of sutras, and extensive commentaries or thoughts on the basic concept of emptiness or shunyata. The Sutra famously states, “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.” The Prajñāpāramitā goddess is the personification of wisdom, and also known as the “Great Mother” who is widely depicted in Asian Buddhist art. Description of “Prajñāpāramitā“ at the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts. “The supple carving of bodily volumes lends this polished stone sculpture a levity and grace for which Khmer sculpture is renowned. It was likely created during the rule of King Jayavarman VII (reign c. 1181–1218), who identified himself with the Buddha and, in turn, equated his mother with Prajnaparamita, the mother of all Buddhas. He commissioned freestanding sculptures of the deity—the Goddess of Transcendent Wisdom—in the queen’s likeness, with a diminutive Buddha in her crown. This dual portrait demonstrates how the Khmer Empire (802–1437 CE) adopted the Indian concept of Deva-Raja (God-King) and established its rule with divine order.”

Looking to collaborators on a magazine project titled “apsara” . This will be a Buddhist magazine series that will focus on the iconography and storytelling of women in Buddhist visual culture/art.

Timeless collages created by @saraagregor in 2023. *NOTE THESE HAVE ALL BEEN SOLD* #collage #artist #artistsoninstagram #creative #artistsupport #tarot #spirituality #creativity #collageartwork #religiousthought

Original Apsara print by @saraagregor

New T-shirts at the Corner Store Vintage #vintage #vintagestyle #fashion #vintageclothing #vintagetshirt #bandshirt #tlc #icecube #ledzeppelin #tshirt #wutangclan #wutang

We specialize in creating authentic designs and aesthetics. -Sara🌺🌺🌺 #creative #creativebusiness #aesthetics #design #tarot #spirituality #flowerpower #culture #meditation #buddhism #art #artgallery #artist #newbusiness #apsara #angel