May 30–June 30, 2019

Artists: Colin Curtis, Denise Brown, Fiona Wilde, Kath Neun, Marina Crawford, Rabideye

Curator: Anna Nobile

OPENING RECEPTION: Sunday, June 2 at 2:00pm
MEET THE ARTISTS: Sunday June 9 at 2:00pm

All That We Are is an exhibition of the works of six LGBTQ2+ artists who live and work on the Sunshine Coast. The exhibition includes a wonderful range of sculpture, installation, painting, drawing, assemblage and ceramic works, each raising questions about freedom, identity and acceptance in our contemporary moment.

What does it mean to be all that we are, to be accepted for all that we are, regardless of class, race, gender, ethnicity, and the people we choose to love? If, as a society, we strive to reach our full potential then I as an individual must strive to be all that I am and live an authentic life that includes giving you the freedom to be all that you are. And vice versa.

With 2019 marking the 50thanniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada, and of the Stonewall Riots in New York City, widely seen as the birth of the gay rights movement, the show’s theme contemplates identity, community, and using the power of creative expression to draw strength from adversity. As much as daily life has improved for LGBTQ2+ people in Canada, there are still challenges and struggles faced by queer communities around the world and at home. The current global leanings to the political right mean having to remain vigilant and not take hard earned rights for granted. Each of the six artists shown here spent a full year contemplating all that they are, their history, their present and their future. They now share themselves through their work and hope to make connections that will create understanding and build bridges across communities perhaps allowing us to begin the journey toward being all that we are and all that we can be.

A note about Project Brick: Taking the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots as a starting point, Denise Brown partnered with Sunday in the Park with Pride Society to work with local queer youth on Project Brick. She gave the youth wooden “bricks,” bricks being just one of the things thrown during the protests, and told them the history of the riots. They were then encouraged to create their own brick and express themselves using a variety of media on any subject they chose. What they have created is a testament to their talent and the power of art. We are thrilled to include their works in this exhibition. The gallery has generously waived their commission on any bricks sold so youth will receive the full list price. Proceeds from bricks not created by youth will be donated to Sunday in the Park with Pride Society.

The artists would like to thank the following sponsors: Gibsons Building Supplies, Sunshine Coast Pride Committee, Your Independent Grocer, Clayton’s Heritage Market.

Gallery photos by Paul Clancy