Davler Media Group’s Metrosource, the largest circulation LGBTQ publication serving New York City and Los Angeles, and second largest nationally, and One World Observatory, at the top of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, today launched “Reclaiming My Pride,” a national art contest designed to showcase the spirit of community, creativity, and charity in America’s LGBTQ populace. Top contestants will be honored at a private gala/reception on June 20 and featured in a public exhibition held at One World Observatory during NYC Pride Week from June 21 -24. The winners will also be featured in the magazine’s August/September issue, along with its online and social media platforms. The event will benefit The Ali Forney Center, an organization that protects LGBTQ youth from homelessness and empowers them with the tools to live independently.
“Pride Week is a celebration of the vibrancy, strength and joy of the LGBTQ community and all who support it,” said Paul Hagen, Editor-In-Chief of Metrosource. “In 2018, we think it’s more important than ever to get back to Pride’s roots of community, creativity, and charity. We are pleased to partner with One World Observatory to showcase the talents of exceptional and diverse artists, LGBTQ and otherwise, whose work is imbued with and furthers our community’s spirit of creativity and inclusion.”
“We are honored to be partnering with Metrosource for this spectacular exhibition at One World Observatory that will feature the works of talented artists, showcasing the LGBTQ’s community, creativity and commitment to charity,” said Keith Douglas, Managing Director of One World Observatory. “Every day we host thousands of visitors from around the world and we strive to make our guests feel welcome in New York. NYC Pride Week is cornerstone in this city’s great culture of unity and we are proud to shine a light on that spirit in the LGBTQ community.”
The competition is open to all artists in the 50 states whose work reflects the spirit of community and acceptance represented by LGBTQ pride, which was ignited by the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a cornerstone event in the movement towards equality.
Artists may enter the contest by digitally submitting an image or video link of their painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and fashion designs, along with an up to 200 word statement describing how it fits within the “community, creativity and charity” themes of the contest. Artists are also asked to submit a 100-word bio. Deadline for submissions: May 18, 2018. There is no cost for submission. Full details and rules for Metrosource’s art contest, including submission forms, can be found at www.metrosource.com/reclaimingmypride
Entries will be judged by a panel of esteemed artists, curators, and notables in creative pursuits, such as film and the Broadway stage. The list presently includes contemporary painters Scooter LaForge and Elisabeth Condon, pioneering 3D video artist Ali Hossaini, mixed media artist Fawn Rogers, gallerist/curator Christopher Pusey and Scott Frankel, Tony-nominated composer of Broadway musicals including WAR PAINT and GREY GARDENS, along with Davler staff. The panel will select 10 finalists whose works will be featured in the exhibition at One World Observatory (the physical works will need to be shipped to Metrosource)). One winner selected from the finalists will receive hotel and air travel for two to the “Reclaiming My Pride” event, along with two VIP tickets to opening night, a cash prize of $1,000, and more.
The winner and finalists will be feted at a private opening for the “Reclaiming My Pride” exhibition at One World Observatory, 285 Fulton Street, on the evening of June 20, 2018. Their works will be on public display from June 21 – 24, 2018, Gallery hours: 9 am to 9 pm. The artists will also have the option of making a donation in support of The Ali Forney Center, a New York City-based LGBTQ charity.
Metrosource will devote a feature in its August/September issue to the works and the backstories of these talented artists. Its online destination www.metrosource.com and social media platforms will feature video interviews with each of the exhibited artists along with digital images of their works.
