A mixed media canvas piece by Craig Bomberger.
A group of artists have put color to canvas for Pride Month.
“Unapologetically Us,” an LGBTQ+ art exhibition in Harrisburg, brings together 40 pieces from 12 artists, featuring work that explores self-expression and community.
The exhibit, which showcases art in several city locations, runs through June and July.
Curator Craig Bomberger said the idea for the exhibition came after he participated in a similar event in Lancaster and saw an opportunity to create a space for LGBTQ+ artists in the Harrisburg area.
“We have amazing small businesses that continually support the LGTBQ+ community, not just in June and July, but year-round,” he said. “They’ve become safe spaces for the community and so I wanted to be able to showcase them and the artists.”
Bomberger partnered with the LGBT Center of Central PA and Executive Director Amber Barnes to bring the project to Harrisburg.
A photograph on canvas by Jeb Boyd.
The exhibits are displayed across seven Harrisburg locations, including:
- Salted Butter Bakery, 1224 N. 3rd St.
- LGBT Center of Central PA, 1323 N. Front St.
- Sweet T & Greens, 231 North St.
- Little Amps, 133 State St. & 1836 Green St.
- The Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St.
- Wake and Bake Café, 240 N 3rd St., Suite 102
“Anyone who identified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, including allies, were welcome to submit pieces,” Bomberger said. “The works were reviewed by myself and Amber Barnes to ensure that pieces would be appropriate for a family-style audience. The artists range in age from a kindergartner and a middle school student to adults.”
According to Bomberger, the exhibition was designed to be inclusive and accessible while showcasing a wide range of artistic perspectives and experiences.
“This is all a part of Craig’s creativity, and we were honored to display that for Pride Month,” Barnes said.
Bomberger hopes that this will be the first of many years of the exhibit.
“I never would’ve expected that we’d have this many artists, venues and artworks in total,” Bomberger said. “I am beyond thrilled and so proud how the community response has been. This has already been so much more than I could’ve dreamt or imagined for our first year.”
For more information about “Unapologetically Us,” visit their website.
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