Centre LGBT+, Local Congregations Partnering for Art Exhibition

Centre LGBT+ and several area faith communities are partnering for a new art exhibition called “Rainbow Creation” and are inviting local artists to submit their work exploring and celebrating LGBT+ identity.

“We know that many LGBT+ people have experienced harm in some faith-based spaces, and we feel called to elevate their voices and celebrate their dignity in this time of profound challenge for the LGBT+ community,” Rev. Tracy Sprowls, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County, said in a news release. “This community art exhibition reflects the commitment of our faith communities to repairing this harm, practicing love and compassion, and working toward creating a Centre County community that is welcoming and supportive of all peoples.”

Local artists and artists with connections to Centre County are invited to submit their original artwork exploring LGBT+ identity and experience by March 15 to rainbowcreationsubmission@gmail.com. No specific belief system is required and artists of all faiths, or no faith, are encouraged to submit.

Paintings, sculpture, multimedia, photography, textiles, poetry and other mediums are will be accepted. There is no fee to submit, and works by children, youth and adults are all welcome.

Selected pieces will be displayed in Centre LGBT+’s community center and several faith spaces across State College and the Centre Region between April 12 and June 30. 

Participating faith communities include:

• The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County 
• St. Luke Lutheran Church
• Congregation Brit Shalom
• Grace Lutheran Church
• St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation
• University Baptist and Brethren Church
• State College Friends Meeting
• State College Presbyterian Church

“We’re living in a moment in which LGBT+ people, especially transgender and nonbinary people, are living through fear, persecution, and assaults against their rights,” Cat Cook, executive director of Centre LGBT+, said. “In moments like this, centering queer voices, celebrating queer joy, and showcasing queer art is one way we can foster resilience, connection, and strength across our local LGBT+ community.”

For the faith leaders involved in the project, the effort reflects their commitment to supporting the LGBT+ community as an expression of their values and beliefs.

“All people deserve to feel welcome as part of our State College community, and all people deserve to feel loved, cherished, and supported,” Rabbi David Ostrich, of Congregation Brit Shalom, said. “No matter your identity, no matter what you believe, we believe in your dignity and worth — and we want to celebrate the beautiful rainbow of creation by elevating the LGBT+ voices of this community.”