Pride Not Prejudice: Exhibiting Artists Reception
Let's celebrate "Pride Not Prejudice" and embrace the beauty of love, authenticity, and acceptance in all its forms.
June 15, 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Join us for the opening reception on June 15, featuring jazz performances and light refreshments, as we come together to honor LGBTQIA+ Pride, and the artists and art behind this expressive exhibition.
Exhibiting Artists
Arlene Dieh ~ Austin Boe ~ Paul Morin ~ Lucky Rapp ~ Michael McConnell ~ Randy Titchenal ~ Peter Howells ~ Nathan Foxton ~ Nathan Lomas ~ Richard Turtletaub ~ Alexander Hernandez ~ Humberto Maldonado ~ Don Hershman ~ Simon Malvael ~ Bill Samios ~ Joel Hernandez ~ Gary Miller ~ Joseph Abbati ~ Charles Stinson ~ Jun Yang ~ Nate Mahoney
Join us this summer for an art exhibition that boldly intertwines the timeless wisdom of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" with a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ Pride. Aptly titled "Pride Not Prejudice," this exhibition draws parallels between Austen's pioneering themes of love and choice and the ongoing journey of LGBTQIA+ individuals towards self-expression and authenticity.
Austen's novel, published in 1813, championed the revolutionary idea of marrying for love and defying societal conventions. Despite the debates surrounding Austen's place in history, her courageous assertion of self remains a beacon of inspiration. Similarly, LGBTQIA+ individuals have long navigated their own paths towards love and authenticity, often in the face of adversity and prejudice.
This exhibition, opening on June 14 during LGBTQIA+ Pride month, showcases original artworks by 19 talented California-based artists from the LGBTQIA+ community. Curated by Joseph Abbati and Charles Stinson, the diverse collection spans two and three-dimensional mediums, promising an eclectic and thought-provoking experience.
Abbati, an experienced curator, expresses his excitement for the exhibition, noting the power of art to challenge perceptions and foster discourse. His own series, "Shape Shifters," explores the metaphorical journey many LGBTQIA+ individuals undertake to find acceptance in society. Joining him is artist and surgeon Don Hershman, whose series "Code Switching" delves into the complexities of conforming to societal norms while staying true to oneself.
Reflecting on their personal experiences, both Abbati and Hershman emphasize the importance of solidarity and self-expression within the LGBTQIA+ community. As society evolves, so too does our understanding of identity and acceptance. "Pride Not Prejudice" invites viewers to contemplate these themes and celebrate the diversity of human experience.
Let's celebrate "Pride Not Prejudice" and embrace the beauty of love, authenticity, and acceptance in all its forms.