Toaster Oven Art Challenge by PACA and LGBT Community Endowment - Deadline Extended to August 1

PRIDE Month Celebrated all over the world in June, is a time to honor the LGBTQ Community and its struggles, challenges and acceptance through the course of history.  It is a Month to celebrate recognition, cultural gifts and also to remember the path our LGBTQ predecessors paved so we can enjoy freedoms they did not have.  We stand on the shoulders of the people before us who fought to dignity, protection and safe communities.  We carry the message on and continue to improve relationships and equal rights for all citizens!  We also recognize and celebrate all the wonderful talents inspiration and service the LGBTQ Community shares with the world!

WE DO NOT WANT THIS INCREDIBLE Month to pass by without recognition!!!  This year Pride Month will look a bit different due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  We may not see the parades, block parties, Art installations, marches, award ceremonies or Community events we so look forward to.  Here is a fun and Creative way to participate in PRIDE Month in a safe way.

 "TOASTER OVEN ART" CHALLENGE TO BENEFIT THE LGBT COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND

WHY A TOASTER OVEN?

On the April 30, 1997 episode of Ellen Degeneres' situation comedy TV show, "Ellen," her character announced to audiences across America that she was gay. Doing so was Ellen Degeneres' creative way of coming out herself. In a humorous scene with Ellen, Melissa Etheridge, and Laura Dern, Ellen is given a toaster oven as a kind of humorous prize for coming out. It is considered by many LGBTQ people to be an historical, ground-breaking TV moment.

To pay homage to that moment, to celebrate Pride, to raise money for the LGBT Community Endowment Fund, and to have some FUN, we invite you to participate in the "Toaster Oven Art Challenge!"

WHAT IS THE LGBT COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND?

The mission of the LGBT Community Endowment Fund at the Erie Community Foundation "is to provide financial support to organizations that address the community's unique challenges and to create a positive, thriving environment."

HOW TO PROCEED

Create a "toaster oven" art display that in some way incorporates a significant aspect of or moment in your life as an LGBTQ person. You may use remnants of an actual toaster oven to create an abstract sculpture. Or use cardboard, paper, or other safe materials, as well as drawing, painting, photographs as part of your "toaster oven" display. Be creative!!

We welcome entries that range from the silly and humorous to the serious and provocative. The organizers do reserve the right to reject any entry that we consider unsafe, or unduly offensive in regard to violence, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or religion.

Include no more than a page of writing that will be part of your display, explaining how your sculpture represents an important event in your LGBTQ life.

ELIGIBILITY AND INSTRUCTIONS

You must be an LGBTQ resident of Erie County.

You must be 18 years of age or older.

No entry fee.

All work must be dropped off no later than August 1 (this was extended from June 30), close of business at PACA, 1505 State Street, Erie, 2nd floor. Drop-off hours are _10 Am -2pm M-F or by appointment. Other hours are available by calling Mark Tannenbaum, 814-434-0687

The "Toaster Oven" art sculptures will be seen by the public online at  PACA1505.org Web site and on PACA Facebook Page. Art work will be auctioned off at P.A.C.A.  on  Date TBA.  All proceeds will benefit the LGBT Community Endowment. 

Works not sold at auction are to be picked up NO LATER THAN AUGUST 30th at PACA.

PRIZES

Three prizes will be awarded for the funniest, most creative, and most insightful display.   First place in each category will receive $100 cash prize!  Runner up will receive a PACA Theater Ticket Package!

LIABILITY

While measures are taken to safeguard your entry, neither PACA nor the event organizers can be held liable for damages incurred during storage, exhibit, and auction.

PUBLICITY

Images of your work may be used in all news and social media by the event organizers for purposes of publicity. In which case, your name will be included to give you full credit for the creation of the piece.

YOUR AGREEMENT AND SIGNATURE

Your signature on the entry form you will receive at the time you drop off your entry will constitute your agreement with all the conditions set forth above.