The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) is proud to present a new exhibit, Reviving Forgotten Treasures, Reviving Memories, featuring one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces crafted by participants of a special community course led by COMPAS teaching artist Amy Wilderson. Community members can view the exhibit now through Feb. 28.
The exhibit showcases jewelry made during a 10-week workshop where students transformed old, forgotten jewelry into stunning new creations. But this wasn’t just about making art — it was about reviving memories tied to each piece. As they twisted wire and reshaped beads, participants shared the stories behind their original jewelry, creating deeply personal connections between the old and the new.
“We weren’t just creating jewelry,” said Wilderson. “We were creating a space for storytelling and healing.”
Held at MAAHMG, the free course provided participants with all materials and the chance to reconnect with their histories through art. The exhibit marks the culmination of the program, offering a platform for participants to display their work and share the powerful stories behind each creation.
This initiative is part of the COMPAS teaching residency program, which places artists like Wilderson into community spaces to engage with people through the arts. The program is funded in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center, with support from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota State Legislature.
Through this exhibit, MAAHMG invites visitors to explore more than just jewelry — they’re invited to discover the rich stories, memories, and emotions embedded in each piece.
Visit the link for more information.