A juried exhibition of art that explores issues surrounding the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community at Union opens Monday, April 7 in the Wikoff Student Gallery in the Nott Memorial.
"LGBT: A Union Perspective” interprets such concerns as diversity, personal identity and discrimination. The works by seven students and one faculty member include photographs, linoprints, sculptures, an oil painting and a poem.
Exhibit organizers hope this first-ever show will use art as an opportunity to “encourage discussion and increase awareness and sensitivity on campus” and to offer a means for “thoughtful expression and creative interpretation of important issues,” said Schaffer Library Periodicals Assistant Angela McMichael, a designated LGBT Ally.
Allies are trained campus volunteers who offer support to members of the LGBT community.
The exhibition will coincide with the April 25 National Day of Silence, a student-led event to raise awareness of anti-LGBT harassment and promote positive change on campuses nationwide.
The show also is a chance “to celebrate our diversity,” McMichael said.
The opening reception for “LGBT: A Union Perspective” will be held in the Nott Memorial during Art Night Schenectady on April 18. The show runs through May 18.
Joining McMichael on the exhibition committee were Schaffer Library Head of Collection Development Courtney Seymour; Student Activities Assistant Director Kerrie Wolf; Schaffer Reference Librarian Bruce Connolly and Catalog Librarian John Myers; and Mandeville Gallery Director Rachel Seligman and Exhibitions Assistant Kara Jefts.
Also involved in making the show a reality were ARTS House, the Dean of Students Office, LGBT Allies, Music & Culture House, Schaffer Library, Seneca House, the Sociology Department, Spectrum and UNITAS.
“We hope the show will provoke conversation at Union beyond its installation.” said Seymour.