On June 22, the LGBTQ+ WAE group gathered with artists, families, allies and friends to convene our first Artists Talk and Opening Reception for the “Art of Inclusion – LGBTQ+ Pride 2021” virtual exhibit.
Hosted by Oscar Marin, four artists spoke about their work and motivation. They shared their thoughts about advocacy through art for LGBTQ+ people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
J
anet Boltax, a painting facilitator in our WAE Workshops, described her love of portraiture and the impetus behind capturing images of people in various stages of gender transition.
Toni Lane spoke of her excitement to be in in a room where authenticity thrived. She valued being in a place where IDD, LGBTQ+ artists and their allies could meet and discuss their work and their motivations in the creative process.
Kristen Iannuzzelli referred to her passion about advocacy and the intentional choice to depict the everyday lives of humans of every gender identity. Finally, Patrice Jetter referenced her desire to advocate for friends in the LGBTQ+ community and to make “Love and Joy” the center point of that message.
Visitors to the exhibit loved hearing directly from the creators of the artwork. There was a question-and-answer segment where other participating artists were able to share their thoughts and work focus.
The evening solidifies our commitment to the work of LGBTQ+ WAE to create opportunities for members of this community to connect, share life stories and work together to reduce stereotypes and misperceptions of people with IDD who identify as LGBTQ+.
A few pieces in the show have sold. We invite everyone to tour the exhibit and experience the work. The exhibit remains up through September 1, 2021.
Visit here: https://waegallery.org/events/art-of-inclusion-pride-2021/