In the Galleries: 'Art & AIDS: Amor y Pasión'

Exhibiting your artwork in a gallery is a paradoxical situation -- most galleries will not accept art from artists who haven't already exhibited in galleries. One of the many benefits of this sixth annual show at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian art is that many of the participating artists have their first opportunity to have a public exhibition.

Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art will host "Art & AIDS: Amor y Pasion," an exhibition featuring 45 artists living with HIV or AIDS. The works of art are created in weekly therapeutic art classes run by GMHC's Volunteer, Work, and Wellness Center. Art teachers donate their time to teach classes for GMHC's clients (consisting of professional and nonprofessional artists) and assist in curating the annual exhibition. The work sold during the exhibition allows the artists to increase their financial independence, which is particularly important for those who live on a limited income.

"For many of the artists, participating in the art classes is a healing experience to express emotions about living with HIV and AIDS and the epidemic overall," says GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie." In fact, for some, this will be the first time ever exhibiting art work in this renowned gallery. We are so appreciative of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art's ongoing generosity," .

The opening reception is Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art, 26 Wooster St., New York City.

More information at GMHC.

Peter J. Robinson Jr.
I Do (2011)
Digital photograph
10/10
14" x 11"

Luis Carle
Israelis, NYC (2003)
B&W silver gelatin print
Artist proof, 2/4
20" x 15"

Luis Carle
Crowbar, NYC (1994)
B&W silver gelatin print
Artist proof, 2/4
15" x 20"

Clecio Lira
African Pieta (2013)
Digital photograph on plexiglass
2/5
50" x 50"

Rob Ordonez
Alone (2014)
Digital photograph
8" x 10"

David Livingston
Look Boy (2004)
Marker on paper
17" x 14"

Shephard Fairey
Keith Haring (2010)
Screen print signed and numbered
140/450
24" x 18"
Donated by the Keith Haring Foundation for Silent Auction to benefit GMHC

Shungaboy
Masculine Kiss (2011)
Acrylic on Bristol paper
19" x 25"

Shungaboy
Two Mikes (2010)
Acrylic on Bristol paper
14" x 11"

Nat-Hanson
Bright Diptych (2010)
Gouache and oil on paper
18" x 48

Nat-Hanson
Fields of Pods (2013)
Oil and acrylic on canvas
36" x 48"