Our Team
Elena Bagne
Co-Artistic Director, Social Media Marketer & Graphic Designer (She/Her)
Elena is the creator of Minneapolis Made Apparel. Born in Kazan, Russia her work is influenced by industrial brutalism, workwear and urban architecture. She began designing clothing in high school while working with ELPIS Enterprises, a screen printing company that assists young people experiencing homelessness. Since then she has grown by integrating other mediums such as film and photography. Her pieces stay true to her Russian heritage, her upbringing in a blue collar midwestern family, and her insightful interrogations on the idea of ‘home’. Elena has worked with Minnesota Students Stand Up, outfitting protestors in their fight against gun violence. Her work has also been showcased in several fashion runways in New York City and Minneapolis. Minneapolis Made Apparel has been highlighted in The Pioneer Press, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, Southside Pride, and MN Daily. Elena has used her platform to share and build community with young creatives throughout the Twin Cities. Elena co-founded The Red Light House, a queer women-led arts collective, in 2022 with her childhood best friend Jenny Zander.
Jenny Zander
Co-Artistic Director, Visual & Documentation Specialist (She/Her)
Jenny is a Minneapolis based Body Artist, Photographer, and Filmmaker. She creates on skin because it's art with a heartbeat. Her work showcases resiliency through a form of storytelling that reflects our many identities and movements. Jenny has worked with Oyate Hotanin, Pangea World Theater, Indigenous Peoples Task Force, Lightning Rod, Ikidowin Acting Ensemble, Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center and many independent artists throughout the Twin Cities. She has exhibited work in Minnesota, Michigan, California and New York. Her body art and photography has been published by Buddy’s Bench Press in the book Shapeshifters: Bodies Like Water which honors the deep connections between the body, land, and queer wisdom. Jenny co-founded The Red Light House, a queer women-led arts collective, in 2022 with her childhood best friend Elena Bagne.
Nova Muhammad
Creative Operations Coordinator & Grant Writer (They/Them)
Nova Muhammad is an independent musician originally from Los Angeles, California. Newly based in Minneapolis, Nova makes experimental soft rock with heavy indie influences. They release music under the artist name Novaa, and are working on an upcoming EP. Nova has a degree in Human Rights and Politics, which they use to interrogate the carceral justice system through decarceration practices. Nova has worked with organizations like The Legal Aid Society’s Video Mitigation Initiative, The Bard Prison Education Initiative, and New York Law School’s Clemency Advocacy Program. They hope to continue this meaningful work in Minneapolis as the Prison to Law Pipeline’s Coordinator through The Legal Revolution. They have a broad artistic background in acting, poetry, and documentary filmmaking. Nova began working with The Red Light House in 2024, focusing primarily on music recording and performance. Currently, Nova also works with The Red Light House to provide grant support, funding logistics, and creative coordinating.