A bold new exhibition is inviting Minnesotans to see denim through a fresh creative and cultural lens. Resist & Reclaim, on view through February 20 at the Goldstein Museum of Design, showcases the work of 20 Black and Indigenous women and femme artists who transformed second-hand denim jackets into powerful stories of labor, struggle, identity, and liberation.
The jackets were sustainably sourced from Black woman owned Bresale MPLS, grounding the exhibition in community care and intentional reuse. Through beadwork, crochet, painting, screen printing, and mixed media design, the artists reimagine denim as a symbol of both resistance and renewal. Their pieces honor the past while confronting present day realities, reflecting how art and labor have long served as tools of survival, healing, and freedom in Black and Indigenous communities.
Denim and Quilt Workshop
Community members can take part in this creative dialogue during the Denim and Quilt Workshop on November 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Blackbird Studio, 1128 Harmon Place.
Co curators Terresa Hardaway, PhD, and Jessica Garcia Fritz will begin the evening with a virtual tour of the exhibition before guiding participants in creating quilt squares inspired by the show. Each registered guest will receive a denim square and art materials to craft a personal visual story. These squares will later be stitched together into a community quilt that will become part of the exhibition itself.
Food will be provided, and space is limited. The workshop is part of the Arts and Culture Vibrant Storefronts initiative supported by the City of Minneapolis Arts and Cultural Affairs Department.
Birds of a Feather: Nonprofit Appreciation
Later that week, Blackbird Revolt will celebrate the people who keep local nonprofits moving forward. Birds of a Feather: Nonprofit Appreciation takes place Friday, November 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Blackbird Studio, Suite 202, 1128 Harmon Place.
The morning open house invites nonprofit staff, leaders, volunteers, and board members to stop in for pastries, coffee, and conversation. Guests can enter drawings for prizes, including a $50 Red Cow and Red Rabbit gift card. The event is free to attend, and RSVPs are encouraged.
Visitors should note that the front entrance is not accessible. The rear entrance has no stairs but is narrow. Street parking and bus access are available.
Get details and reserve a spot >
Those interested in attending as business or organizational partners can reach the team at info@blackbirdrevolt.com.
A Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Community
Together, the November events highlight Blackbird Revolt’s commitment to building spaces where creativity fuels connection, advocacy, and collective care. Resist & Reclaim is not just an exhibition. It is an invitation to celebrate artistic brilliance, honor lived experiences, and recognize the power of design as a form of resistance and community building.