San Diego’s LGBT Pride weekend is upon us, so brace yourself for floats and fun and rainbows and paintings. Yes, paintings!
In its mission to reach and involve all segments of the local LGBT community, San Diego Pride recognizes the creativity that has defined our community, well … forever. For many years now, our local Pride weekend has included Art of Pride, a section of the festival designed to promote the work of lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual artists.
The Art of Pride area of the festival grounds consists of artist’s booths where paintings, photographs, handicrafts and sculptures are displayed and made available for sale. Art of Pride also involves a juried show where local artists are invited to submit work ideally responding to the annual Pride theme. This year’s theme is “Pride Around The World” and this year’s judge is downtown gallery owner Alexander Salazar. Prize winners will be announced during a Friday evening reception at the festival and monetary prizes are awarded to the best use of theme, first, second and third place.
Although it is too late to submit work for consideration for this year’s juried show, Art of Pride showcases local artists year round by hosting a monthly exhibition at the San Diego Pride offices in North Park. Each monthly exhibition includes a reception scheduled to coincide with Ray at Night on the second Saturday of each month. Go to artofpride.org for more details about how to apply.
In the meantime, have a great Pride weekend.
Thanks to the SD Pride organization, Chelli, Mary Jane, Ben, Alexander, Mandy and the fine artists who made this the best year for Art of Pride.