| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
October 23, 2009
|
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone, GMHC, 212-367-1016
Leslie Lohman Gay Art Foundation and Gay Men's Health Crisis Host Art Exhibition Featuring 50 Artists Living with HIV/AIDS
New York, NY — Starting on Tuesday, November 3, the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation will donate its gallery to host, "Art & AIDS: Living for the Moment," an exhibition featuring 50 artists living with HIV/AIDS. Over 130 works of art, utilizing diverse media, will be on display through November 7.
The Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation is a public non-profit foundation established in 1990 to provide an outlet for art work that is unambiguously gay and which is frequently denied access to mainstream venues. Founded by Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman, the Foundation mounts exhibitions of work in all media by gay and lesbian artists with an emphasis on subject matter that speaks directly to gay and lesbian sensibilities--including, erotic, political, romantic, and social imagery--and providing special support for emerging and underrepresented artists.
"We are delighted to support these talented artists and the exemplary work of GMHC," said Wayne Snellen, the Foundation's Director of Collections. "Art can be a profound communicator. This exhibition provides a powerful opportunity to destigmatize people living with HIV/AIDS."
The exhibition is an outcome of work from weekly therapeutic art classes as part of 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 artists are able to sell their artwork which increases financial independence, particularly for those who live on a limited income.
"We are honored to be partnering with the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. "For many of the artists, participating in the art classes is a healing experience to express emotions about living with HIV/AIDS and the epidemic overall. In fact, for some, this will be the first time ever exhibiting art work in a renowned gallery."
At the opening reception on November 3rd, 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. Also, several of the artists have donated art work for a silent auction as a way of giving back to GMHC.
Exhibition Information
Opening Reception
Tuesday, November 3
6 pm to 8 pm
Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation
26 Wooster Street (at Grand Street)
New York City
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Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.
© 2009 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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