The Seacoast LGBTQ History Project, RiverStones Custom Framing, and The Franklin Gallery are thrilled to announce their upcoming Pride art exhibition, Flaunt!. This vibrant celebration of identity, courage, and self-expression embodies the true spirit of Pride. Visitors will be greeted by bold colors, proud moments, and the most authentic expressions of self from local artists. Flaunt! will be showcased at The Franklin Gallery during the month of August. Please join us for the opening reception on August 8th from 5-7 pm.
Tom Kaufhold, founder of the Seacoast LGBTQ History Project, said, “Flaunt! showcases artists who identify as LGBTQ+ or are allies. Artwork in Flaunt! celebrates self-acceptance and queer joy in all its forms.” Kris Ebbeson, proprietor of RiverStones Custom Framing and The Franklin Gallery, said, “This is our eighth exhibit with the Seacoast LGBTQ History Project. We are excited to provide a platform for marginalized voices to be seen and heard. Through art, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.”
Flaunt! is the result of a partnership between the New Hampshire Art Association and Seacoast Outright to organize an art class specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth. To support the queer youth of the Seacoast, NHAA developed an education program designed to empower teen artists. Seacoast Outright has operated for over 30 years with the mission of providing resources and opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth in the Seacoast area. “Art is an opportunity to invite others to see in a way that only a creative medium allows. This collaboration is an opportunity for our youth to see, and be seen as their truest selves. In a time when the world is increasingly hostile to LGBTQ+ youth, this opportunity allows our youth to feel seen and supported in essential ways. It also encourages us all to lean into a future where everyone is seen, understood, and respected through beauty and creativity,” explains Heidi Carrington Heath, Executive Director of Seacoast Outright.
Over a four-week period, local youth attended workshops aimed at creating self-portraits that express their true selves. This art class was taught by Elise Morrisette, an NHAA member and experienced art teacher. “As a teacher, it’s important to meet my students where they are in life; whether it is learning how to do portraits, or helping someone find their creativity for the first time. The students in this year’s program are incredibly bright. Their excitement and enthusiasm make me proud as an art teacher. And it is my hope they continue exploring art on their own, and connecting with each other through their creative pursuits,” Elise explains. The finished self-portraits from each student will be part of the Flaunt! exhibition.
The exhibit will be up from Friday, August 2 through Friday, August 30, and free to view. The gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be extended hours on Rochester’s Pride Day, Saturday, August 24, when the gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, visit the Seacoast NH LGBT History Project Facebook page, email seacoastnhlgbthistory@gmail.com, or contact RiverStones Custom Framing at (603) 812-1488 or email riverstonescustomframing@gmail.com.