About the artwork

The COVID-19 pandemic is having far-reaching effects on our nation and our communities; some elected representatives have argued that older Americans should be willing to sacrifice their lives for the benefit of the national economy. There exists a mistaken belief that allowing the most vulnerable to die would end the pandemic sooner and lead to a quicker economic recovery. In fact, allowing more deaths would likely increase economic instability. The COVID-19 public health crisis and our nation’s economic health are inextricably linked.

The billboard image created for “Elders Are Essential” will capture the vibrancy of Minnesota’s elders and illustrate the fact that no one is expendable, and all lives are precious and valued.

Meet the artist

Camille Gage

Camille Gage is a Minneapolis artist and writer inspired by the intersection of art and political expression. Gage believes artists have a role to play in shaping the public consciousness and creating a more compassionate and equitable world.

To learn more about Camille Gage, visit GageArt.net.

David Grant

David Grant is a Twin Cities-based writer and playwright. He’s had many works commissioned and appears in many anthologies. When he’s not writing or teaching, David facilitates life skills groups for men incarcerated at the Ramsey County Correctional Facility.

Gage and Grant previously collaborated on a billboard addressing the issue of race in 1989.

For the When the cry is, “Justice!”  Gage and Grant also collaborated with Scott Streble and Jim Dryden.

Scott Streble
Scott Streble is a Minneapolis photographer. He is best knows for his documentary photographs of people, using an approach that portrays his subjects with honesty and dignity.

To learn more about Scott Streble, visit ScottStreble.com.

Jim Dryden

Dryden is an artist and illustrator who draws inspiration from many diverse cultural and ethnic traditions.

To learn more about Jim Dryden, visit JimDreyden.com.

View more artists