PRIDE Virtual Art Contest 2020

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ARTIST STATEMENT

"Since Covid-19 and quarantine has begun, members of the LGBTQ community can't be recognized, and many are unable to come out to their parents and friends. This experience has made it so hard for people of minority groups to be seen and heard."

ARTIST STATEMENT

"Coronavirus has had a impact on the LGBTQ community making people feel unsafe to be themselves as there seems to be no where to be themselves. People would look for acceptance and support in parades or gatherings where they would find people in similar situations but now it’s online. It is different in a way but people will still connect and be able to celebrate pride, even if at home they have to be closeted there are some safe harbors online like virtual pride 2k20. "

Artist Statement

"This piece is meant to show the hard work and dedication LGBTQ people are putting into their jobs, where as we are in pride month, some non-LGBTQ people are also celebrating. It is also meant to show the hard work of these essential workers during Covid-19."

ARTIST STATEMENT

"We arrive 
We depart
In between we become
Who we are
Undaunted throughout by peril, prejudice and pandemic 
Together
We persist."

****This painting is dedicated to the loving memory of her late sister, Katherine T.M. Scanlon who transitioned on this very day in 2016.

Today her Partner for 47 years, Ann, is gathering with their friends in Virginia Beach at the Cemetery and thereafter they are going to recreate a Gay Celtic Wake in celebration of Katherine's Life and Love with Ann Miles.

ARTIST STATEMENT

"My work consists of mixed media with recycled items and paint. The art I made was basically my therapy during this quarantine. With all the crazy images hitting my phone, I decided to make my artwork with bright colors to cheer me up. With that being said, it saddens me that there are so many ailing LGBTQIA community members. I only hope to inspire those who feel that they can't create in a time like this but it's the reason why we must do it in order to cope with the harsh realities of the community."

"Let rainbows and stars guide us brightly thru Covid-19. Let's stay safe, strong and health and keep gay pride alive in our hearts and minds."