A ground-breaking exhibit of art by eight young LGBTQ artists currently relocated in Vienna, Austria, opens this week at The North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (nAGLY)’s gallery in Salem.
The show, “Sanctuary: Art of Displaced LGBTQ Refugees,” opens with a reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 24 and runs through August 31. Admission is $20 and gallery hours are 1–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26. For further hours, call (978) 224-2102.
The nGLLERY Art Space, the site of the show, is located at nAGLY’s offices in the Witch City Mall, 2 East India Square, #121.
Teaming up with Shire Pharmaceuticals’ B-Equal Business Resource Group to sponsor the show, nAGLY collaborated with Queer Base of Vienna, Austria, to assemble this unique mix of creativity and hope from artists escaping violence, persecution and discrimination in their homelands. Hailing from Syria, Iran, and Tajikistan, these artists bring their singular identities to light in such varied media as ceramics, photography, jewelry, fashion, weaving, and painting, bringing stability to their lives through art.
“This is an incredible opportunity to make the world a more understanding place, and to witness the amazing drive, determination, and talents of LGBTQ persons facing enormous odds,” said Steve Harrington, nAGLY’s executive director.
The nAGLLERY Art Space is a relatively new program for nAGLY. After 23 years serving LGBTQ youth 3 hours a week in the basement of a church, nAGLY now boasts a large, dedicated space, with expanded services and outreach. The nAGLLERY Art Space rotates work of LGBTQ artists several times per year.
Shire Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in serving patients with rare diseases. Shire employs approximately 3,000 people across Massachusetts and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can reach their fullest potential. B-Equal, an employee-led business resource group supporting the inclusion of LGBTQ professionals and straight allies is proud to engage with LGBTQ communities around the world and support projects like “Sanctuary.”
