‘We Say Gay’ art exhibit on display through Oct. 31

Published Oct 07, 2022 by
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A new student art exhibit, “We Say Gay,” will be featured at East Carolina University during LGBT History Month through Oct. 31.

“From flags to quilts to queer symbology utilized throughout centuries, the LGBTQ community has used art as a means of owning and sharing their stories,” said Mark Rasdorf, senior associate director of intercultural affairs at ECU and director of the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center.

East Carolina University graduate student Chris Zidek hangs a piece of art on the second floor of the Main Campus Student Center as part of the “We Say Gay” art exhibit. (Photos by Rhett Butler)

The center, in partnership with the ECU School of Art and Design and the dean’s office of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, sponsored the exhibit, which explores queer identities.

“‘We Say Gay’ affirms visibility and acceptance while acknowledging the complex journey for many in the LGBTQ community,” Rasdorf said.

Twenty pieces created by 16 undergraduate and graduate student artists were selected for the Dasha Efird Little Student Art Gallery on the second floor of the Main Campus Student Center.

The following students were recognized at the exhibit’s opening reception on Thursday:

  • Dean’s Choice ($300): “Fragile” by Kimberly Cusack, awarded by Dr. Linda Kean, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication
  • Director’s Award ($300): “Clothes Do Not Make the Man” by Michael Gaines, awarded by Kate Bukoski, director of the School of Art and Design
  • School of Art and Design Purchase Award (value up to $400): “Till Death Do Us Part” by Drayana Johnson, Awarded by Bukoski. This piece will be added to the school’s collection.
  • Peel LGBTQ Center awards:
    • First place ($500): “If Only” by Scarlett G.
    • Second place ($300): Series: “The Ties That Bind/The Gift of Life/The Peace After the Clash” by Ashr Burgess
    • Third place ($200): “Trans Tranquility” by Lei Baldwin

    Judges for the Peel LGBTQ Center awards were Gabriela Lemus, interim director of the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center, and Demetria Smith, associate director for fraternity and sorority life in the Department of Student Engagement. Funding for these awards was made possible by the LGBTQ Advancement Council through the LGBTQ Priority Fund.

    In addition to the exhibit, the Peel Center has continued its billboard campaign started last year in support of the LGBTQ community beyond campus and across the region. “You Are Loved” billboards are at Greenville Boulevard near the 14th Street intersection and on U.S. 264.

    The billboard was designed by Rae Senarighi, a Wisconsin artist Rasdorf met at a conference several years ago. The “You Are Loved” campaign is showcased in at least 15 states.

    “I hope kids and youth who are LGBTQ+ see this and understand that there are so many people who love them and who are fighting for their rights. I hope they feel less alone and maybe even a bit more hopeful about the future,” Senarighi said in an interview last year.

    LGBT History Month coincides with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 and the anniversary of the first march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1979.

    Related
    Message to students and eastern North Carolina: ‘You Are Loved’