News Summary
Local artist Lora Garcelon is unveiling a collaborative LGBTQ+ art collage titled ‘Together Art’ at the Grand Rapids ArtPrize competition. The exhibition runs from September 18 to October 4, showcasing 115 unique expressions that emphasize resilience, unity, and hope within the LGBTQ+ community. The project began as an emotional outlet post-election, evolving into a national initiative with participation from artists across the country. Following the ArtPrize, Garcelon plans to take the collage on tour, starting at Cleary University to further engage with local communities.
Grand Rapids is set to showcase a unique collaborative LGBTQ+ art collage created by local artist Lora Garcelon at the upcoming Grand Rapids ArtPrize competition. The exhibition runs from Thursday, September 18, to Saturday, October 4, 2024, at various locations throughout downtown Grand Rapids, with Garcelon’s collage on display at Zeal Aerial Fitness located at 131 Caledonia St NE.
The project, which initially began as “angry art starts,” has now evolved into a national painting campaign drawing participation from artists and non-artists alike across the United States. Garcelon, a mother of a gay child and a trans child, found inspiration to create this piece following the presidential election, as she was overcome with feelings of outrage, frustration, and despair. This prompted her to express her emotions through art, leading her to throw paint, rocks, sticks, and other materials onto sheets of watercolor paper.
Finding tranquility amidst the chaos of her initial art pieces, Garcelon later painted over them with messages of hope. Originally intending to collaborate with just 16 friends, the overwhelming response from hundreds of individuals eager to participate led to the creation of a five-paneled collage titled “Together Art,” which features 115 unique artistic expressions.
Exhibition Details and Impact
Garcelon’s artwork conveys themes of resilience, unity, and hope aimed at promoting a sense of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community. The artist expressed feeling overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for her project, which started as a spontaneous expression of anger and has shifted into a celebration of love and connection. This message resonated strongly, quickly gaining traction and attracting widespread attention
After the ArtPrize event, Garcelon plans to take “Together Art” to various venues across the country. The first scheduled stop after ArtPrize will be Cleary University, an institution known for its commitment to inclusivity and fostering diverse voices through the Arthur Secunda Museum. At Cleary University, Garcelon volunteers with local high school art students, further enriching the connection between the artwork and the community.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Brett Rogers, the director of marketing at Cleary University, stated that Garcelon’s project aligns well with their mission to provide a space for meaningful artistic expression. The collage’s themes of connection have resonated deeply within the campus community and beyond.
Garcelon encourages organizations interested in exhibiting “Together Art” to reach out via email at [email protected]. Through her work, she emphasizes that anger can transform into a powerful force for good when channeled positively, showing how art can foster hope and community during challenging times.
Conclusion
With a vision to spread messages of love and support for the LGBTQ+ community through art, Lora Garcelon’s “Together Art” serves not only as an exhibit but as a powerful testament to the strength and creativity found in collaboration and community spirit.
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Additional Resources
- The Livingston Post
- Wikipedia: LGBTQ
- Crain’s Grand Rapids
- Google Search: LGBTQ art
- Michigan Advance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art
- Pride Source
- Google News: Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2024
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
