Gabriel "Jax" Mercogliano is a western Washington to Minneapolis transplant. He lives in Bdeóta Othúŋwe / Gakaabikaang, lands stewarded by the Ojibwe + Dakota peoples. He was raised in Kitsap county, lands stewarded by the Suquamish + Port Gamble S'Klallam.

Jax is an artist and performer based in the observations, collection, and expression of everyday life. Organic form, imprecise attempts, art as process, endless mending, and discarded scraps are the themes that move him towards textile + fiber, performance, DIY puppetry, and community based art endeavors. 

Since landing in Mni Sota Makoce, Jax has worked with organizations including BareBones Puppets, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, Art Shanty Projects, Textile Center of Minnesota, Oh No! Puppet Union, Franconia Sculpture Park, Interact Center and Gallery, Simpson Housing Services, and the Loppet Foundation. 

When not performing, Jax offers his services for commission and trade. His commissions range from garment making and mending, to prop and puppet building, to backstage and technical production work, as well as installation and set construction. 

through the power of weightlifting, audacity, + HRT Jax endeavors to backpack every puppet he's given the opportunity to; no matter the weather conditions or the size of said puppet.

His favorite role remains jumping in to support a friend's project. 
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By Day, Jax works at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) where he has been since 2023. Jax serves as an administrator for the Academic Affairs department where he coordinates the Visiting Artist Committee (VAC). The VAC brings local, domestic, and international artist's to MCAD's campus. Jax serves as the chair of MCAD's Staff + Faculty Queer Affinity Committee.