This week in Duluth, an art show is aiming to provide a space and opportunity for emerging and professional artists alike, all while celebrating our differences.
This Friday, May 9th is the opening celebration for the 2nd Annual Gender Joy Art Show as put on by the Duluth YWCA. For Executive Director Morgan Beryl, the exhibition holds great cultural significance as a place to showcase expression.
"Our mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. And in 2023, we held a Gender Equity Summit, and part of that was the Gender Joy Art Show," says Beryl. "It was really about creating a space for people to express themselves fully and celebrate together."
The event took a break in 2024, but organizers say the plan is to continue to host it annually going forward. During last year's break, organizers examined what they wanted the event to be, particularly in light of the recent political landscape.
The event, curated by Amy Varsek, is free to attend. All submissions will be featured and both professional and amateur artists will have work on display. For Beryl, the goal is to be inclusive to all and be able to express a wide variety of perspectives. "We want anyone and everyone who wants to express gender joy to be part of it."
The gathering for the Gender Joy Art Show will take place this Friday, May 9th from 5:00-7:00pm in the Zeitgeist atrium. The exhibition itself goes through the end of May.
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