Destiny (Dez) Noel is a queer, multidisciplinary artist and educator of indigenous and settler heritage based in Minneapolis, MN. Their work encompasses mixed media paintings, drawings, and collages that delve into themes of vulnerability, connection, and community. Dez has a passion for exploring various visual disciplines, with a special affinity for paper, people, and plants.

Their commitment to both studio practice and community engagement drives their creative contributions to diverse projects, with a particular fondness for murals and public art. Currently, Dez collaborates with a vibrant community of artist peers and puppeteers at Old Bedlam, a creative space within a warehouse connected to the Ivy Building for the Arts in Seward, Minneapolis. Through their art, they aim to foster connections and healing within the community, emphasizing the transformative power of sharing stories and knowledge through creativity and play.

CV
Destiny (Dez) Noel Bilges 
Pronouns: They/Them
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN | May 2022  
Skills  
  • Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate
  • Knowledge of art fabrication techniques: mosaic installation, PolyTab murals, Risograph, relief, and screen printmaking
  • Experienced in K-12 classroom management and Family Arts programming
  • Collaborative teamwork in diverse environments
  • Skilled in using power tools and set design construction methods
Residencies & Teaching  
Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)
Creative Academy Instructor | Sept 2022 - Mar 2023  
  • Facilitated monthly arts activities with 4th graders for a group exhibition
  • Developed lesson plans tailored to individual classroom needs
Guest Artistic Instructor | Jul 2017 - Jul 2023  
  • Conducted accessible art activities for Family Day events and open studios
  • Engaged diverse demographics in public art experiences
PIM Arts High School
In-person Instructor / Teaching Assistant | Mar 2021 - May 2021  
  • Supported drawing courses through in-person instruction and online collaboration
  • Enhanced students' art-making confidence and technical abilities
Professional Experience  
Renegade Mayday Coordination | May 2024  
  • Led production of “Aqueerium”  in collaboration with Ember Hasty for the 2024 Mayday Parade. Hosted community workshops, float builds, safety meetings, and other misc. gatherings at our studio and coordinated with other organizations working on the parade for a smooth parade day.   
Artist, Copla Murals | Apr 2024 - Present  
  • Involved in mural design, community workshops, and installation of public art projects across the MPLS and St. Paul Metro Area. 
Graves Foundation, Creating Change Fellowship | Jul 2022 - Jul 2023  
  • Participation in a cohort of 4 artists resulting in one group show, and mentored by artist Leslie Barlow; producing my first solo exhibition "Cosmic Reflections"
Studio Assistant
Chris Lutter Gardella | May 2023 - Aug 2023  
  • Assisted in creating community art projects, props, and puppets for performances, public art projects, and community events.
Corinne Teed | Sept 2022 - Jul 2023  
  • Managed project logistics, printing, and studio operations. 
TRXTR Cohort Participant | 2020-2021  
  • Engaged with local artists in a biweekly meeting cohort of 20 members, concluding in an interactive project addressing community care, housing access, and interpersonal relationships between the residents of the Powderhorn neighborhood and their unhoused neighbors. 
Artist Assistant for GoodSpace Murals | Jun 2017 - Oct 2019  
  • Assisted in the production of a variety of public and private mural projects across various U.S. cities