The Grand introduces Pride Month Queer Exhibition
NEW ULM– The Grand is hosting the Queer Experience Regional Exhibition starting Friday.
The opening reception will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cheese and wine will be served, and several artists will be there to meet and greet.
Artist Megan Rolloff came up with the idea for a collaborative queer exhibition. Executive Director Lauren Stinson said that Rolloff has been working with different art centers for the past 9 months to get an exhibition put together.
The timing of this exhibit coincides with Pride Month. Stinson said this was planned and several other art centers in Minnesota are doing similar shows. She wants the show to send the message that everyone is welcome in New Ulm.
“Part of what this exhibition was designed to do was to show support for the LGBTQ+ people in our town and the surrounding area.” Stinson said. “We want to show not just New Ulm but the entire surrounding community that as an art center, we are welcoming to and open to all creators and all voices.”
This exhibition is a collaboration with the Carnegie Art Center, Arts Center of St. Peter, and The 410 Project. It is a multi-artist show. The Grand asked for queer and ally artists to submit pieces for the show and were very pleased with the turnout.
“We are excited to have the artists that submitted artwork. [There is] a wide range of ages and experience levels, from very professional to really beginner.” Stinson said.
“This is the first year that any of these art centers are doing this.” Marketing Director Tamara Furth said. “So anytime we do something for the first time, it’s really [hard] even just getting the word out.”
There are several types of artwork on display. One that Furth noted to be unique is a painting of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be a public official in California. The painting is made using gunpowder.
The show will be open until the end of June from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Tuesday through Saturday. A donation box is set up for those who want to show support.