Boston Art Exhibit Examines The Word 'Gay'

Atlantic Works Gallery opens an intriguing exhibit this weekend with the deceptively simple title GAY. What does this word mean to different people? Artist Eric Hess challenged fellow gallery members to make art inspired by the word and its associations. Hess says the results are "an eye opener."

"One Boston cable show thought coverage of GAY was not suitable to daytime programming simply from hearing the title," Hess revealed. "Another straight artist I have been working with is really learning a lot about how it feels to be gay...one of the group members who is straight experienced homophobia simply getting the show card printed at Kinko's. It has set up amazing conversations and is just heating up. All of this in gay-marriage-friendly, liberal Massachusetts."

A queer riddle of the sphinx, an installation about an artist's uncle being arrested in East Boston for having sex with a man. a lascivious Craig's list montage of M2M postings, a full-scale closet that invites visitors to huddle within, a painting addressing male love in Chinese prison - these are some of the topics from the show. Gay exhibitions range in media from paint to photography to jewelry, installation, and video.

The public is invited to attend the OPENING RECEPTION on Thursday, August 9, from 6 to 9 pm and to visit the gallery during the following hours: Fridays 2 to 6pm, and Saturdays 2 to 6pm.

Entertainment will include gay, vocal house by DJ Dylsnick and some surprise guests. Admission is free.

The public is also invited to attend Atlantic Works Gallery's monthly THIRD THURSDAY POT LUCK GATHERING on Thursday, August 16, from 6 to 9 pm.

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On the Web:

Atlantic Works Gallery :: www.atlanticworks.org