West Town Graffiti Art Jewelry Pop Up To Benefit Women In Need

CHICAGO — A Detroit-based social enterprise that helps women in need is coming to Chicago. Rebel Nell hires women who are struggling to find employment, and teaches them to craft unique, wearable art from fallen layers of graffiti.

The Rebel Nell pop-up shop is coming to Chicago Truborn, 1741 W Chicago Ave, on April 26 and 27. Proceeds will benefit Deborah’s Place, a supportive housing program for low-income Chicago women. The pop-up will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. both days.

Rebel Nell is launching its first Chicago line of jewelry, made from graffiti paint chips collected from West Loop and West Town.

“Extending Rebel Nell from Detroit to Chicago is the next, best step for women in need,” said Amy Peterson, Rebel Nell CEO. “This one-of-a-kind jewelry empowers these women as well as preserves and commemorate the muralists who for decades left their beautiful mark on Chicago neighborhoods.”

Rebel Nell finances its education, wellness, and entrepreneurship programs — needed to equip these low-income women to lead independent lives — through graffiti jewelry sales. Since 2013, the company has helped more than 20 women move out of homeless shelters through their jewelry work with Rebel Nell.

The company also provides wrap-around support to start women on a path toward upward mobility. Every product sold has a positive, direct impact on the lives of each woman the company serves.

Peterson co-founded the company in 2013 after working with the Detroit Tigers and billionaire Stephen Ross' national anti-racism initiative, RISE.