Queer Artists Project Exhibition Open Today at Lambda Archives San Diego

Lambda Archives of San Diego announces the opening of their second in-house exhibition, utilizing the newly remodeled space and displays in their permanent location in University Heights.

Set to open today, March 15 with a reception and party from 7 - 9 p.m., the Queer Artists Project's first exhibition will remain available to visitors and members for three months, through June 15. The exhibition will showcase a selection of art from both within Lambda Archives' Permanent Collection as well as contemporary work from artists in the local LGBTQ community.

The idea for the project came from former Lambda Archives President Bruce Kamerling, whose work will be on display for the inaugural exhibition. Susan Richards began volunteering for the Archives before Kammerling died in 1995, and officially founded the project under her stead over 10 years ago.

"We are excited for this first exhibit by the Queer Artists Project to celebrate our local LGBT art culture," said Kelly Revak, lead Archivist at Lambda Archives. "The works displayed are diverse examples of the historical artwork housed at Lambda Archives as well as outside pieces representing the continued and vibrant arts scene in San Diego. It is encouraging to see Bruce Kamerling and Susan Richards's goal of maintaining a record of the life and work of artists within the local LGBT community continued. The work of artists is an important part of our communities history; One that Lambda Archives is dedicated to preserving and celebrating."

Highlights from the community pieces exhibited include work by Carl Schmidt, Vickie Leon, John Keasler, Andrew Printer and Julie Warren.

Directly from the archives, art in the three-month exhibit will include work by Robert Miles Parker, Bruce Kammerling, Muriel Fisher and Lisa Kanemoto, among others. The complete list of artists will be revealed at the opening reception, March 15.

A live performance art piece by local artist Sami Peterson will also be presented at the opening reception. Light refreshments will be served at the free event.

"These people were very serious about what they were doing in their community. They were the forbearers to what we have now. They were activists in the very beginning, putting themselves out there, and I think it's important for us to recognize and acknowledge that," said Cesar Chavez, Lambda Archives volunteer and curator of the Queer Artist Project exhibit.

Cesar is an art history major at the University of San Diego, and has been volunteering at the Archives since fall 2012. Joining Kelly and Cesar on the steering committee are Daniela Hudson, Anthony King, and board members Conor Foley and Thomas Negron.

Current local working artists are encouraged to submit their names, bios, and artists' statements for inclusion in the Queer Artists Project, an ongoing record of LGBT artists in San Diego. To submit, contact Cesar at cesarchavez@sandiego.edu.

For days and times the exhibit is open see Lambda Archives website www.lambdaarchives.us/schedule/index.htm.

Lambda Archives of San Diego (LASD) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve, and teach the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the San Diego and Northern Baja California region. Although most of the collections date to post-1970, there are original materials dating back to the 1920s. History is best served by the records and cultural artifacts of those people who are directly involved in its events. Lambda Archives (founded as the Lesbian and Gay Archives of San Diego) has dedicated itself to preserving and interpreting this important historical record. To make an appointment to view the collections, or to donate materials, contact Archivist Kelly Revak at archivist@lambdaarchives.org. To make a donation towards this project, or for other inquiries email info@lambdaarchives.org.

For more information, go to www.lambdaarchives.org.