A solo exhibition by Jay Youngdahl
Drawing on Jay Youngdahl’s experience working with trade unions as a lawyer, organizer, and member, I Don’t Want Your Millions (Billions), Mister proposes two ideas: that all workers are artists, and despite differences working people can build solidarity through collective struggle.
Featuring worker-made objects and documentation from training and apprenticeship centres from Alberta’s oil sands to Little Rock, Youngdahl showcases the creative expression of workers, recognizing their labour as art. Exploring conversations about the working class with its members, Youngdahl explores what it means to identify, belong, and create together as workers.
Worker-made objects exhibited in I Don’t Want Your Millions (Billions), Mister were fabricated by apprentices from United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Local 18 and Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre.
Thank you to Wren Gardiner for their support on this exhibition in their role as Jay Youngdahl’s assistant.
Jay Youngdahl is an artist and practicing union lawyer in the southern USA. He specializes in photography and thematic exhibitions. Before going to law school Jay was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers (SMART), USW (Steelworkers), and NALC (Postal Workers). Since becoming a lawyer he has represented all major US unions, including many which have Canadian members.
Opening Reception with a musical performance by Layla Staats, Monday, February 13, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Artist Talk with Jay Youngdahl on the exhibition themes and his experience collaborating with working apprentices (virtual), Thursday, February 19, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
IWD Sing-a-long with Tuesday Choir, Saturday, March 7, 1 – 3 pm
Panel | Opportunities and Obstacles: Class Strength in North America Today, a virtual panel discussion with Jay Youngdahl, Sam Gindin, and Adoph Reed Jr., Thursday, March 26, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
For more information, please contact Ada Bierling, Interim Programming and Exhibitions Specialist, at (905) 522-3003 ex. 29 or ada@wahc-museum.ca.
Top image: Training Centers 6 (detail) (2025) by Jay Youngdahl. Image courtesy the artist.
