The Twin Cities nurtures its artists, and those artists are really living up to the moment. Operation Metro Surge has taken our neighbors, friends, and loved ones, but it has also literally brought people out of their homes to protest in subzero weather.
This isn’t “movement merch.” It’s a channel for anger, love, and care for the community. There's just something cathartic about seeing a laser loon melt ice with its eyes. Plus, a federal invasion of Minnesota during the winter as an agency called “ICE” inevitably leads to some irresistible puns.
I’m highlighting a few of my favorite pieces from local artists. Maybe some will find a place on your wall or in your hands when you take to the streets.
Faryn Hughes is an illustrator in children’s publishing and has always called Minnesota home. While her usual portfolio is full of vibrant and whimsical works, the particular piece (above) invokes a feeling of Biblical dread that is truly fitting. The loon is watching. The loon is hunting.
From the artist:
“I made this design to showcase that we aren't just on the defensive in MN. Minnesotans are actively pushing back, making it as difficult as possible for these invaders to work. We are stalking their activity, recording every event, guarding neighbors, creating networks, and vocalizing our wrath. Mother Nature is giving the cold shoulder. The loon is our spirit, and the eyes represent our community, watching and numerous. They do not know peace here.”
You can purchase this print on Redbubble. Profits will be split between the Minnesota Immigrants Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) and Community Aid Network MN. @farynh
MNI SÓTA MAKÓČE KNOWS HOW TO HANDLE ICE (Courtesy of Jearica Fountain)
Jearica Fountain is a Native American visual artist “rooted in activism, education, and empowerment.” Her usage of bold colors and pop art is a clever gateway to getting people to engage with complex issues in an accessible way. Start with what people know, and work your way in.
From the artist:
“Minnesota takes its name from the Dakota phrase Mni Sota Makoce, which means ‘land where the waters reflect the clouds’. Using the Native name is a way to show respect and gratitude for whose land we are on, and it helps bring visibility to the Native peoples who are still here today.
The girl in the image is wearing a traditional ribbon skirt, which is worn by many Native peoples and holds deep significance within Indigenous communities. Ribbon skirts represent strength, resilience, and community healing. They are often worn during times of resistance, during periods of grief, and at large gatherings. Traditional Native teachings emphasize that the land provides for everyone, we protect our community, and all are welcome on the land, which stands in direct contrast to the actions of ICE. This imagery highlights Indigenous values of care, protection, and shared responsibility.”
Fountain is providing a downloadable file of the print for free. You can donate to her directly to support her projects (Venmo: @Jearica-Fountain, Cashapp: $Jearicafountain, PayPal: Jearica Fountain) or send the money to a community organization you support. @jearicafountain_designs
Crush ICE (Courtesy of Back of Beyond Studio Press)
Based in Northeast Minneapolis, Back of Beyond Press excels at vibrant, splashy risograph prints. I’m personally a fan of their “Woman in Horror” calendar. This print captures defiance and rage in stark relief – the snarl of the wolf, the clattering of ice between its jaws.
You can purchase the print on Back of Beyond’s Etsy. All proceeds will be donated to the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee. @backofbeyondpress
Minnesota Melts Ice (Courtesy of Julissa Andrade)
Julissa Andrade, who also goes by Pax Paints, is a Mexican-American painter born and raised in the Twin Cities. Andrade’s masterful command of ethereal colors and textures sets this piece apart. The starkness of the red on blue caught my eye instantly, conveying alarm and urgency.
From the artist: “I've always loved loons, and they are an easily recognizable symbol we can rally around. I wanted to depict a rally call to show that together we can defeat this attack on our community.”
Prints can be purchased on Andrade’s website. Proceeds will be donated to families impacted by ICE. @paxpaints
ICE OUT OF MINNEAPOLIS (Courtesy of Mike Davis)
This is one of the first anti-ICE prints I saw, and then it was everywhere – in neighbors’ windows, at protests, at coffee shops. I believe when people look back on this period in Twin Cities history, this piece will be an icon of the time. The usage of the snow emergency signage is clever and easily understandable for any Minnesotan.
Mike Davis and Wes Winship are providing a free downloadable file of the print on their studio’s website, Burlesque. Depending on availability, you may also find a poster at Moon Palace Books, Bench Pressed, and Pilllar Forum. @brlsq
From the artists:
“ICE's operation here in our area has made us sick to our stomachs. Seeing families ripped apart, innocent community members harassed, brutalized, and murdered is beyond reprehensible. We're so proud of the people in the city for showing what true leadership and community look like in the face of true evil. We're happy to offer this poster to give a voice to anyone looking for one in this fight we never wanted to see ourselves in.”
