2021 LGBTQ Juried Art Exhibit at Blasco Library, June 1 - 30

The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) has curated a 2021 LGBTQ Juried Art Exhibit, which runs all of Pride month, June 1 - 30, on the 2nd floor of Blasco Library.

The call for art entries went out to local visual arts groups, art departments and LGBTQ groups at regional college and universities, social media, and individual artists. The responses were very enthusiastic.

Supported by a grant from Erie Arts & Culture, the exhibit features over 50 artworks by 25 LGBTQ artists from northwestern PA. There is a variety of styles, subjects, and media in the exhibit, including painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, pastels, drawing, fine jewelry, and mixed media.

Some artists drew directly upon their experiences as an LGBTQ person, while others looked elsewhere for inspiration. Some pieces are provocative, others more lighthearted. The entries were juried by members of the GEAE Board and Advisory Council. Because of a recent anonymous donation, GEAE is able to designate three merit awards of $100 each to three artists.

This 2021 exhibit is the second LGBTQ regional juried art show to be mounted by GEAE. In 2019, GEAE held the first juried art exhibit in Erie to feature only work by LGBTQ artists within a 200-mile radius of Erie. The success of that exhibit and the positive responses from the general public who attended the exhibit were encouraging to GEAE to offer an exhibit by LGBTQ artists this year. Because of COVID uncertainties and regulations, GEAE decided to keep the focus on LGBTQ artists from northwestern PA only, rather than a larger region.

The exhibit can be viewed during regular library hours. Appropriate masks must be worn in the Blasco Library.