By Zach Childree
DETROIT-
On July 27, the Detroit Black Pride Society will kick off its annual Hotter Than July celebration with the opening of an art exhibit. The exhibit, produced in collaboration with the Poor Man's Art Collective, is called "Unity in Diversity, Many Backgrounds, Different Mediums, One Vision" and is hosted by the Liberal Arts Gallery in Detroit.
The art exhibit opening has been part of the Hotter Than July celebration for 6 years, according to Black Pride Society President Kimberly Jones. Jones said she is excited about the event and how much it has grown, including garnering sponsorship from Barefoot Wines. "In the past, Hotter Than July has never really had a liquor sponsor," Jones said. "But Barefoot Wines has stepped up and was really open to participating in a lot of the Hotter Than July events."
This year, the exhibit moves from the host hotel, where it is usually presented, to the Liberal Arts Gallery. "We wanted to open Hotter Than July with an art show, to give people the opportunity to be a little more upscale," Jones said. "This year because we've moved it, it gives us the opportunity to show the community the art for the entire week of Hotter Than July."
The exhibit will feature work from local artists who use various media for their art, including found wood, acrylic paints, wood carvings, ink and photography. Poor Man's Art Collective co-founder Geno Harris said the exhibit is a great way to showcase the work of local artists, both gay and straight.
"It came from a need to represent our community," Harris said. "And to showcase the ability of both communities (gay and straight) coming together to show what Detroit has to offer by way of creative talent."
Both Harris and Jones agree that the exhibit is a great way to show off the work of new artists that might not get shown otherwise. "It fosters the talents of new and emerging artists who might not know how to get their works shown or who have otherwise been denied the opportunity because of a lack of education, awards or experience," Harris said. The artists who are featured in this year's exhibit are Harris and Mychal Noir, who are co-founders of the Poor Man's Art Collective, as well as Reggie Singleton, Bianca Henderson, Natalie Bandele and Bilal.
"I don't think we've ever turned anyone's art down," Jones said. "It's community oriented and community based, so when we put a call out, we are delighted to have new artists as part of the exhibit."
Jones said she is looking forward to the event and hopes it will be a great start to the Hotter Than July festivities. "I want there to be excitement and enthusiasm about Hotter Than July," Jones said. "A lot is happening and I'm really excited about that."
The reception is from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. at The Liberal Arts Gallery at 3361 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit.
