“Respecting Queens Diversity,” a Celebration, Exhibition and Workshop series, features an art exhibit with works by Andrew Bailis, John Cebellero, Babette Farian, Gerard Gaskin, Gilberto, Audrey Gottlieb, Vajrini Sanchez and Marie Sawicki, on vi
About the artists
Babette Fabian, an abstract painter, is a resident of Jackson Heights who began her career with the Federal Arts Project of the WPA during the Depression, and has been painting ever since. John Cebellero’s piece, “Summer,” an acrylic on canvas, depicts a Hispanic woman in summer clothing, inspired by Queens’ Latinas. Audrey Gottlieb’s photographs on view depict the Greek Orthodox Epiphany in Astoria and a Caribbean American family playing by the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Andrew Bailis has contributed works in mixed media.
Marie Sawicki’s images are primarily of women, portrayed in collage using photocopy transfer onto glass, fabric and other materials. Vajrini Sanchez’s abstract art has an intriguing Eastern influence.
A series of five arts and humanities workshops will also be held at Queens Pride House complementing this art exhibit, offered free of charge, according to the following schedule:
“Queer Theory,” Thursday, June 12th, 7-9 p.m., led by Stephen Paul Miller, poet and professor of English at St. John’s University.
“Art Making in a Queer Environment,” Friday, June 13,4-6 p.m., led by Melissa Wolf, artist, founder and executive director of Women’s Studio Center. (Please note: children are invited to attend this art-making workshop but must be accompanied by an adult.)
“Thinking and Writing About Art,” Saturday, June 14, 2:30-4:30 p.m., led by Alice Rosenblitt, poet and professor of English and Humanities at LaGuardia Community College.
“Thinking and Writing About Art,” Thursday, June 19, 7-9 p.m., led by Alice Rosenblitt.
“An Introduction to Women’s Art History and Art Appreciation,” Thursday, June 26, 7-9 p.m., led by Melissa Wolf.
These free workshops offer participants an opportunity to create their own literary and visual works in response to the “Respecting Queens Diversity” art exhibit, curated by artist Melissa Wolf.
This program, initiated and hosted by Queens Pride House, aims to foster mutual respect among the diverse communities of Queens, including the LGBT community. The project was conceived in response to the events of Sept. 11, with the hope of inspiring a spirit of cooperation among the members of Queens’ various communities. All are invited to attend.
For directions, further information or to register for a workshop, call the Queens Pride House at 718-429-5309 or e-mail queenspridehouse@aol.com.
