RECEPTION

05/05/2023 - 5:00pm

WEST GALLERY

May 5th, 2023 to July 1st, 2023

EXHIBITION DESCRIPTION

FIRST FRIDAY, MAY 5:  

Join us for a special performance by the Queer Choir Lincoln, from 6:30-7:30 PM; Queer Choir Lincoln is a community choir open to LGBTQIA+ folx of all walks, and currently has 50 members. This group was founded by artistic director Juju Tyner in March 2022 after an epiphany that there was a massive gap in opportunities for and representation by queer folx in the music performance scene in Lincoln.

LAVENDER COUNTRY

This exhibition highlights and celebrates queer artists who currently reside in Nebraska. The title Lavender Country refers to the name of the band and debut solo album produced in 1973 by Patrick Haggerty, and is referred to as the first gay country album. Haggerty, who passed away at the age of 78 last October of 2022, was a life-long human rights and social justice activist. The lyrics of Lavender Country suggest the possibility of a queer utopia – however, considering the nationwide trend of anti-LGBTQ+ and specific anti-trans legislation, along with multiple bills introduced so close to home, the idea of utopia remains unrealistic. 

The multidisciplinary work within this exhibition reimagines and challenges traditional notions of identity, fantasy, and history, as well as the nuance and subjectivity of language that frames queerness. By bringing together Nebraskan queer artists, we hope to cultivate an uplifting artistic community in the midst of our current political climate within our state and beyond, as well as highlight the urgency of positive visibility and community.

MEDIUM

Mixed Media