Thursday, Oct. 29, 8:30-9:45am CT
Location: Blake campus, Dining Commons
This edition of our popular Breakfast at Blake speaker series features 2026 Young Alumnus Award recipient Ace Rice ʼ01. Q&A follows the presentation. A complimentary breakfast will be served. Please register by Monday, Oct. 26.
Asa "Ace" Rice ʼ01 is a Minneapolis-based multidisciplinary artist, curator and creative strategist who grew up in South Minneapolis. He is founder and CEO of CREWED creative agency and head of brand and creative for HILOS but may be best known locally as founder of PLOT Gallery, an art exhibition and retail space operating in George Floyd Square.
Before returning to the Twin Cities, Rice spent two decades working in entertainment marketing, fashion and the music industry in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. He has managed marketing for notable brands and artists like Coco and Breezy, Sprayground and Adidas. Rice founded PLOT to support local underrepresented artists, blend contemporary aesthetics with community-building and anchor the local economy.
Deeply invested in the 38th and Chicago community, in 2024 Rice founded KOMBOA, a community land trust with a focus on urban planning, community revitalization and economic development, for which he is board chair. He also serves as a board member for the Chicago Avenue Fine Arts Center, working to promote cultural dialogue and creative empowerment in the Twin Cities.
Rice attended Florida A&M University's School of Architecture for his undergraduate studies. While at Blake, he played on the varsity basketball team.