The art exhibition presents work that relates to historic and current labor activism in diverse and meaningful ways. It coincides with the 90th anniversary of the important Minneapolis Truckers’ Strike of 1934. The exhibit explores the relationship of history to the present as well as workers’ role in social change. The artwork connects a wide range of perspectives that relate to the strike. The exhibit includes banners, installations, pastel drawings, paintings, tapestries and a video presentation.

The Minneapolis Strike was a watershed moment for the labor movement as well as for societal transformation. It was a revolutionary moment. Workers organized to fight for their right to form a union despite strong opposition from the police, National Guard and the Citizens’ Alliance, an anti-union employers group. They fought for a better life in the bloody struggle for workers’ rights—and they won. The settlement made Minneapolis a union town.

This exhibition is held at the Cargill Gallery in the Minneapolis Central Library near where the strike events of 1934 occurred. It is a fitting site for reflection and consideration of the history related to today. The Cargill Gallery is a beautiful exhibition space in the flagship Minneapolis library and so befits the importance of the content and focused creativity of the work displayed.

The Remember 1934 collective has been a primary influence for the exhibition. The group has commemorated the strike for many years. The group has presented street festivals, picnics and installed a memorial plaque. The group includes educators, journalists, union members and strike descendants. Please see the website Handing History Onward for more information: https://rem34.ampmpls.com

The artists: Mike Alewitz, Rachel Breen, Keith Christensen, Olivia Levins Holden, Juxtaposition Arts youth, Carolyn Olson, Mike Rivard, and Brooks Turner