|
MEDIA ADVISORY
Art Exhibition Featuring Artists Living with HIV and AIDS
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art and GMHC present "Art & AIDS: Amor y Pasión"
January 7, 2015 - New York, NY - For a sixth year, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and
the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art will host, "Art & AIDS: Amor y Pasión," an exhibition featuring 45 artists living with
HIV and AIDS. The works of art, utilizing diverse media is an outcome of work from weekly therapeutic art classes run by GMHC's
Volunteer, Work and Wellness Center. Art teachers donate their time to teach classes for GMHC's clients (consisting of
professional and non-professional artists), and assist in curating the annual exhibition. The work sold during the
exhibition allows the artists to increase their financial independence, which is particularly important for
those who live on a limited income. In addition, the artists are then able to participate in additional
art shows as most galleries mandate that artists must have already been part of one show.
"For many of the artists, participating in the art classes is a healing experience to express emotions about living with HIV and AIDS
and the epidemic overall. In fact, for some, this will be the first time ever exhibiting art work in this renowned gallery. We are so
appreciative of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art's ongoing generosity," said GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie.
"AIDS and HIV have been a subject for many gay artists for the last thirty years and have, unfortunately, become a recognized theme in
gay art history," said Hunter O'Hanian, Museum Director. "While this work continues to be made, we will be happy to display it.
Our relationship with GMHC has been a long fruitful one and we hope it continues for many years."
WHO:
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art, co-curators, Osvaldo Perdomo and David Livingston, and 45
artists living with HIV and AIDS
WHAT:
Opening Reception for exhibition, "Art & AIDS: Amor y Pasión"
WHEN:
Thursday, January 22, 2015
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
WHERE:
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art
26 Wooster Street, NYC
(between Canal & Grand Streets)
In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum will host two additional free events for the general public. On Saturday, January 24,
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, "A Conversation on ArtAIDSAmerica" with curator Jonathan David Katz, who will discuss the upcoming national
museum exhibition showcasing 30 years of art responding to the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. The exhibition opens in 2015.
On Thursday, January 29, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, there will be a film screening and discussion on the documentary "The Universe of Keith
Haring," an intimate portrait of world-renowned artist Keith Haring, whose mantra was that "art is for everyone!" The 90-minute film
is a thorough and intimate exploration of the background and career of one of the most popular and significant artists of the 20th
century. The post-screening discussion will be led by Julia Gruen, Executive Director of the Keith Haring Foundation.
Museum Background:
For more than 25 years as a non-profit organization, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art has provided an outlet for art
work that is unambiguously gay and frequently denied access to mainstream venues. Founded by Charles W. Leslie and Fritz Lohman,
the Museum exhibits and preserves art that speaks directly to the many aspects of the LGBTQ experience, and fosters the
artists who create it. It embraces the rich creative history of this community by educating, informing, inspiring,
entertaining, and challenging all who enter the doors --and provides special support for emerging and underrepresented artists.
The exhibition's curators, whose artwork will also be featured, offered their thoughts. "Volunteering to teach the art classes at GMHC
has been very rewarding," said David Livingston. "It is great to see my students progressing in their artistic endeavors, helping them
build confidence. Osvaldo Perdomo shared: "The exhibition displays prevalent issues as well as hopeful messages from people
living with HIV and AIDS. Some of the artists will be sharing their personal truth which is not an easy thing to do.
I thank them for their courage.
At the opening reception on January 22, members of the Imperial Court of New York, a longstanding group that raises funds for community-based organizations, will be volunteering their time to greet guests as part of the festivities. The exhibition will be on display through Sunday, February 1. Proceeds from sales go directly to individual artists. Selected pieces will be available for the silent auction during the length of the exhibition, benefiting GMHC.
###
Contact: Krishna Stone, krishnas@gmhc.org, (212) 367-1016/(646) 280-5948
Source: GMHC
"Reproduced with permission - GMHC"
GMHC
For more HIV and AIDS News visit...
Positively Positive - Living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS News
|
