About

I am Coua Lee, an inspiring, self-taught sand artist from St. Paul, Minnesota. Born and raised in Fresno, California, by Hmong refugee parents, I’m passionate about telling stories through my sand art. My work is inspired by the events around me, the people I meet, and my imagination. I learn by observing the sunsets, listening to the melody of the wild Minnesota birds, and following the beats of my cultural music. My creative process is highly spiritual; I must go through a journey myself to create these stories.

As a mental health advocate and spiritual leader, I specialize in artistic stories about mental health, humanity, nature, biblical stories, and diverse cultures. My hope as a sand artist is to inspire everyone to tell their own stories to promote healing, creativity, and self-identity. I often collaborate with local organizations, such as Native and Hmong American affiliations, churches, cultural festivals, concerts, and local galleries.

I am a recipient of the 2014 Next Step Fund with the McKnight Foundation and the winner of the 2020 Hmong American Partnership art contest. In 2025, I received the Individual Artist Grant to create a sand art stop-motion film to increase access and exposure to unique arts in the Minneapolis Public Schools in Minnesota. I was also the winner of the Hmong 50th commemoration event hosted by the Minnesota Historical Society and showcased my work at the Minnesota History Museum. I have been a featured guest artist on Fox 9 news and in the Minneapolis Hmong Museum, and I’ve performed at the Portage County Cultural Festival, where 12,000-15,000 people attend yearly.