LAL Partners with Lexington Fairness Alliance and the Imperial Court of Kentucky

LAL Partners with Lexington Fairness Alliance and the Imperial Court of Kentucky to Present Exhibits that Explore Identity

           

            Lexington, KY – The Lexington Art League is pleased to announce the selection of Lexington Fairness and the Imperial Court of Kentucky as partners for its upcoming exhibition cycle Passing: Fashioning Drag and Alternate Selves. As partners, these organizations will work with LAL to illuminate the long-standing culture of drag in Central Kentucky and explore how issues of identity are managed as a society and individually.

            “These exhibits, which deal with identity and the transformative power of costumes, create an opportunity for LAL to establish non-traditional partnerships,” said LAL Development Director Stephanie Pevec. “Lexington Fairness and the Imperial Court of Kentucky are doing incredible work in our community, and the spirit of their initiative mirrors that of LAL. We look forward to engaging new audiences in new ways through partnerships with these organizations.”

            Passing: Fashioning Drag showcases the rich history of drag in central Kentucky and includes gowns created by celebrated designer Patryq Howell as well as photographs by Transylvania Professors Kurt Gohde and Kremena Todorova. In complement to Passing, Alternate Selves explores issues of personal identity through disguises, adornment, masks and garments. This exhibition cycle is being sponsored by Dr. Nick Kouns, a physician in private practice in Lexington and Winchester.

“LAL’s upcoming exhibitions celebrate the richness of our culture and honor the creative contributions of our community’s gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-gendered members,” said Jonathan Barker, a Lexington Fairness volunteer and owner of QX.net, which has been a long-time supporter of LAL’s Nude exhibit. “We are delighted to be a part of this exhibit and to be working with LAL on this innovative programming.”

Nicole Diamond, Empress of the Imperial Court of Kentucky and a well-known Lexington performer, added, “As a member of the drag community, I am excited that LAL is presenting the artful aspects of the work we do to mainstream culture.”

Mia’s, one of downtown Lexington’s most vibrant restaurants, is joining in support of LAL, providing food for events and hosting happy hour fundraisers from 4-7pm on April 1 and April 19.

Passing and Alternate Selves open April 23, with a Fifth Third 4^th Friday opening reception, at LAL @ Loudoun House. Several contextual programs are planned around the exhibit, including two spectacular drag performances on May 7 and 8 at Buster’s Billiards and Backroom.  For more information, visit www.lexingtonartleague.org.

About the Lexington Art League

The Lexington Art League is Lexington's oldest and largest visual arts organization. LAL envisions visual art as the lens through which central Kentucky will distinguish itself as a progressive, inclusive and vibrant region. LAL presents original and creative programs, with a reputation for thought-provoking content, that illuminate the role of visual art in contemporary life. Please visit www.lexingtonartleague.org for more information.

About Lexington Fairness

Lexington Fairness has been a leader for advocacy and education for LGBTQQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and allies) people in the region since 1992. It is committed to achieving equal rights under the law, acceptance, and fairness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people in Central Kentucky through local community action, grassroots advocacy, network-building, and educational outreach. Visit www.lexingtonfairness.org for more information.

About Imperial Court of Kentucky

The Imperial Court of Kentucky, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity with a special outreach to the homophile community of Kentucky. Founded in 1982, the Imperial Court of Kentucky is a charter member of the International Court System and was recently named International Court of Distinction by the International Court Council. The Court provides a social outlet and recognition through frequent events and raises funds for local charitable causes, contributing more than $130,000 to eligible organizations. Visit www.imperialcourtkentucky.org for more information.

Current LAL Exhibitions

LAL @ Loudoun – QX.net Nude 2010, now in its 24th year, includes works focusing on the human form and personal identity that explore contemporary life and the social politics that impact us all.

LAL @ the Mayor’s Office – Visual Dialogue: Untitled (in Plastic), features work by Charlie Campbell that explores the medium of plastic through photography.

LAL Project Space – Domestic Boundaries, by Siobhan Byrns, uses dirt, grass, and photographic elements to construct an immersive installation piece investigating what the artist describes as “the fragility of nature and the human experience”.

Lexington Art League

859-254-7024 | www.lexingtonartleague.org

A New Way of Seeing... where visual art is the lens through which central Kentucky distinguishes itself as a progressive, inclusive and vibrant region