“The Power of Visibility: Boldness in LGBTQ+ Art" is an exhibit that highlights the importance of representation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. This exhibit will feature works that portray the lives, experiences, and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals, shining a light on their stories and giving voice to their unique perspectives. Through a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media, "The Power of Visibility: Boldness in LGBTQ+ Art" will showcase the diversity and complexity of LGBTQ+ life, and the impact that visibility can have on promoting acceptance and understanding.

Participation in this open call is limited to those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The art on display should be honest, raw, and full of emotion, capturing the essence of queer culture and identity. This exhibit is a tribute to the power of art to create change and inspire action, and a reminder of the importance of representation and visibility in promoting equality and social justice. Within this exhibition, artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from their personal journeys, utilizing their unique experiences to articulate narratives that reflect their own stories, challenges, and triumphs, and that resonate with the broader theme of LGBTQ+ visibility and empowerment. The examples below serve as initial prompts, offering potential starting points. Through this approach, the exhibition aims to empower artists to authentically share their narratives, contributing to a diverse and impactful collection of stories:

1. Identity Exploration:
   • Artwork that delves into the exploration of individual LGBTQ+ identities.
   • Focus on personal journeys, self-discovery, and the expression of one's unique identity within the community.
2. Celebrating Resilience:
   • Art that celebrates the resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals.
   • Highlighting stories of triumph, strength, and perseverance within the community. in the face of challenges.
3. Intersectionality in LGBTQ+ Experiences:
   • Art that explores the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ identities with other aspects such as race, gender, and ethnicity.
   • Emphasis on the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community and the intersections that shape them.
4. Love and Connection:
   • Artwork that focuses on the themes of love, relationships, and connections within the LGBTQ+ community.
   • Capturing the spectrum of relationships, from romantic love to friendships and chosen families.
5. Activism and Social Change:
   • Art that reflects the role of LGBTQ+ art in activism and driving social change.
   • Expressing the power of art to challenge norms, advocate for equality, and contribute to broader societal shifts.

This exhibition will run from June 22nd to July 20th, 2024.

Special events include:

• Opening Receptions: Two inspiring afternoons celebrating the diverse and profound expressions of LGBTQ+ art. These receptions will serve as poignant celebrations of the diverse and profound expressions within LGBTQ+ art, emphasize the critical importance of representation and visibility within the LGBTQ+ community. The chosen dates for the opening weekend align strategically with the week of Stonewall, providing a historical context and further highlighting the resilience and history of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Movie night: featuring either Paris is Burning 4 (1990) or After Stonewall (1999)
• History of Stonewall: A special educational event in honor of Stonewall Day. Commemorating the historic march on New York during the original protests of police brutality, this event focuses on the history of gay activism. A distinguished guest speaker will provide insights, shedding light on the pivotal moments and contributions that shaped the LGBTQ+ rights movement. This event serves as a meaningful opportunity for community members to engage, learn, and reflect on the legacy of activism that continues to inspire change.
• Strut Your Stuff: The grand finale of "The Power of Visibility: Boldness in LGBTQ+ Art" with our exhilarating closing event – "Strut Your Stuff! Costume Ball." Drawing inspiration from the exuberance of Paris is Burning, this festive and safe costume ball promises an evening of joy, self-expression, and celebration. Attendees are encouraged to unleash their creativity through vibrant costumes, embracing the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. As a culmination of the exhibition, "Strut Your Stuff!" invites everyone to participate in a memorable and inclusive celebration of diversity, resilience, and the power of visibility within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Original works of art in the following media are welcome: sculpture and assemblage; paintings, drawings, and collage; photographs, digital art, or videos; and printmaking. Work must have been produced within the last five years and may not exceed 36 inches in any dimension, including the frame.

Please note at this time, we are NOT accepting work produced by AI.

If you plan to exhibit a photograph or digital print of your own original work, it must be categorized as photograph or digital work, regardless of the original medium.

Jurors: There will be three jurors from different disciplines, to be announced. They will evaluate work based on creativity, relevance, and craftsmanship. Craftsmanship is “the quality that comes from creating with passion, care, and attention to detail.” (Smashing Magazine)

Important Dates:

• Deadline to submit work: Wednesday, May 15th, 10PM.
• Notification to artists: Week of May 28th.
• Work dropped off at the gallery: Saturday, June 08, 3PM to 5PM; Sunday, June 09, from 10AM to 12PM.
• Two Openings:  June 22nd and 23rd, 1-4PM.
• The show runs from June 22nd to July 20th, Friday through Sunday, 1-4PM, and special events.
• Artists pick up work on Saturday, July 20nd, 4-6PM, or Sunday, July 21st, 10AM to noon.

Deadline: Wednesday, May 15, at 10PM. We recommend you plan to submit your work at least one week before the deadline. So many little things can happen that require you to save your entry and get more information, retake a photograph, etc.

Application Requirements

Maximum size in any direction: 36 inches, including the frame. Work exceeding these dimensions will be disqualified.

Sales: All work must be for sale and be reasonably priced.

Ready to Hang: This means the work is delivered with the proper weight of picture wire and d-rings in a sturdy frame. No saw-toothed hangers! 

Paintings on canvas do not need frames, but the edges should be clean. Works on paper are generally framed.  Artists may be asked to provide their own pedestal for three-dimensional work, painted white and clean.

Work must be neatly and professionally presented. If work is brought in that is not professionally presented, it will not be included in the show.

Work must match the photograph. Any work that appears different from the photograph that was used to apply for the exhibit will be refused.

Submissions: There is a $16 non-refundable fee for entry, regardless of whether your work is selected for the show.

Each artist may submit a maximum of 3 works.

Photographing your work: All art should be photographed straight on, with a high resolution. Photos should be cropped to the edge of the image to eliminate background—such as the frame, or the surface behind the artwork.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all LGBTQ+ individuals residing in Los Angeles County (LA) and Orange County (OC), California.