Though LGBT youth might often feel voiceless in society, gay youth are speaking out through art in a group exhibition, “Crawl Space: The Attic Experience,” at the William Way LGBT Community Center, through Aug. 24.
The showcase features works created by Attic art groups in the last year.
While past Attic exhibits at the William Way have focused on a solo artist, Attic facilitator Beth Pulcinella said this year she opted for a group show to allow youth from various groups at the center to participate. There are six pieces on display by art groups including Stitch and Bitch, a quilting group; Attic Graffix, which designs posters and T-shirts; Xclusive Models Production Company, a fashion and modeling group; Art and Mythology, which focuses on art and spirituality; and Pride Props, which conceives and creates props for June’s Gay Pride Parade.
Pulcinella, who worked with the Attic Graffix, Pride Props and Art and Mythology groups, said her goal was to support Attic youth in pursuing creative careers. As noted by both the participating artists and Pulcinella, the exhibition provides a chance to connect with the art community and an outlet for healthy expression.
“The huge theme of ‘Crawl Space’ is just being raw, honest and true and letting your own style come through,” said Maro Beauchamp, a member of the Myth and Mythology and Pride Props groups.
Zach Podietz, a member of the Pride Props group, said, “Crawl space to me means I’m crawling through the space looking at people’s natural given talent throughout life.”
Donald Jackson, a member of Stitch and Bitch, said, “I find something to relate to my feelings” when he’s making art.
Malcolm Pettiford, a member of Attic Graffix, said the exhibit “gives the youth another way to express themselves in an artistic way. It lets the LGBTQ youth know they can resort to something other than unhealthy means.”
The works on display represent an array of media and concepts, including a gay spirit shield focusing on spirituality, a body map focusing on identity and gay-themed animals for Pride Props. Also on display are pictures of the modeling group and T-shirts made for comfort and style.
Several of the artists discussed the creative processes behind their work. Beauchamp said, “I think the first thing I do is get a summary of what the project is, sitting and letting it roll in my head for a while. Then I do a lot of rough sketches, mind maps and purging the brain of ideas.”
Podietz, who worked on the gay-themed animals for Pride, said, “For me, mentally I think what’s going to represent me. From there, once I get drawing, I have to find out the color choice, and for color choice I look in my heart and feel what color should be in that spot.”
“Crawl Space: The Attic Experience” is on display through Aug. 24 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. A closing reception for the event will feature drag performances and a dance party on Aug 24. For more information, visit www.waygay.org or www.atticyouthcenter.org.