Minnesota lost a pillar in the local arts scene on Monday, Dec. 5, when Camille J. Gage passed away at age 66. Remembered as an innovative musician, artist, activist, and fierce friend, people far and wide were in mourning following her death due to cancer. In her honor, the city of Minneapolis passed a resolution to recognize her many achievements at the start of today’s city council meeting.

Gage started weaving her legacy as soon as she moved to Minneapolis in 1983 and formed the pioneering punk band Têtes Noires with five other women. Occasionally billed as performance artists due to their unusual costumes and unexpected props, the sextet was playful and provocative. Their infectious sound and unapologetic stances served as a foundation that ‘90s riot grrrl bands like Sleater Kinney and Bikini Kill would build on in years to come. 

Her experiences navigating a male-dominated music scene while also mothering a young daughter on her own heightened Gage’s dedication to feminism and other connected struggles for liberation. She showed up to support unhoused people in encampments across the Twin Cities, protested for reproductive rights, and helped coordinate a series of Indigenous-led ceremonies centered around freshwater known as the Nibi Walk project.

Her momentum only increased over the years as she invested immense more energy into the community through art installations and coalitions. After studying at MCAD, she went on to showcase her visual art at WAM, MIA George Floyd Square, to name a few locations. Building relationships as she went, Gage started the Women's Art Registry of Minnesota, known today as the Women's Art Resources of Minnesota, in addition to other artistic organizations. She also compiled One Minneapolis: a city in verse poetry chapbook in 2014, containing works from poets across the Twin Cities.

Her list of contributions to the art world and her community in Minnesota rolls on and on. A memorial event will take place at Hook and Ladder Theater in south Minneapolis on Saturday, February 4, 2023. It runs from 6-10 p.m., and includes light snacks, beverages and music starting at 8 p.m.

Here’s the full resolution:

Text reads as follows:

Whereas: Camille J. Gage was a mother, grandmother, wife, artist, activist, writer, editor, feminist, environmentalist, water justice warrior, yoga instructor, beloved community leader and much more. She moved to Minnesota from Racine, Wisconsin, in the early 1980’s, making south Minneapolis her home; and

Whereas: Camille was a talented musician, a singer and keyboardist for one of the earliest all women rock groups in the Twin Cities, Têtes Noires, from 1983 to 1987, which she helped form, and played at many prominent Twin Cities venues, including First Avenue, as well as across the country. The band is best known for their “casually mocking,” feminist lyrics; and

Whereas: Camille Gage further developed as a visual artist and activist after her music group disbanded; and

Whereas: As an artist, her work hung in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and included a permanent installation at the Weisman called “Untitled (Robe for Judith)” constructed mainly of white feathers, and “Made Here,” an initiative to bring art and activation to downtown storefronts, plus many other community and public art projects; and

Whereas: Camille helped start several art galleries and organizations, including Form + Content Gallery and WARM — the Women's Art Registry of Minnesota, now known as the Women's Art Resources of Minnesota. She also produced and edited poetry and essay books, including "Fierce Lament" and "One Minneapolis: A City in Verse," at the request of former Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, which featured poets across Minneapolis neighborhoods; and

Whereas: Camille’s legacy is one of a kind-hearted, convener of friends, and fierce activist who protested, volunteered, advocated and worked hard to improve in areas like climate change, women’s reproductive rights, and homelessness. She served at Minneapolis homeless encampments, the Native American Community Development Institute and the Indigenous-led Nibi Walks; and

Whereas: Camille touched the lives of countless relatives, friends, neighbors, and community members. She often said her daily goal was “to make someone else smile and make their world better for a day.” She spent her final days surrounded by her loving family, and is survived by her husband Patrick Mulligan, daughter Jen Gage Rossum, three grandchildren, and a host of loved ones and friends in community;

—NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED—

That the Mayor and City Council do hereby recognize and honor the life of Camille J. Gage and her many heartfelt contributions to the arts, humanity, her family and community.