The LGBTQ+ Community Reshaping the Art Scene at VAE Raleigh!

Last month, VAE Raleigh and Studio Vibes co-hosted the Creative QT Kickback, as part of the art gallery's "First Friday" programming for the Raleigh community.

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance celebrates First Friday on the first Friday of each month at various locations throughout the city. Art galleries, studios, and places of business are open late with rotating exhibits and collaborative activities for the public. VAE Raleigh commissioned Studio Vibes (a subsidiary of AMG) to curate and advertise a fun and unique collaborative experience to complement the “Vanguard Social: Visions of Southern Queer Resistance”, a collective art exhibition, which recognizes the increasing need to generate creative spaces for communities that have been historically marginalized and disempowered.

On March 3rd, the Creative QT Kickback was co-hosted by Aaron Mullen, founder of Studio Vibes, and Carolyn Rose-Grayson, VAE Raleigh’s Collaborative Curatorial Fellow. Both parties collaborated to curate a warm and welcoming experience that promoted self-expression and creativity. Artwork that was displayed from a full range of artists highlighted the night, the star-studded roster includes: Amuri Morris, Carolyn Rose-Grayson, Charmaine Hurst, Essi Sings, Gemynii, Greta Boney, Karena "Kidd" Graves, Lindsey Shin, Liz Williams, Luc White, Sage Lowery, Shin-Yiing Yeung. The focal point of the night was the live entertainment segment that was provided by the No Limits Crew, who hosted a highly entertaining "Creative Karaoke" activity, which allowed guest to sing their favorite songs among new friends. Overall, this event exceeded all expectations for VAE's First Friday programming. Accomplishing the goal of raising awareness on the creative contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and being a change agent within the RDU community while promoting peace and unity in the process.

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Photos courtesy of Alex Williams

This project is a part of VAE Raleigh's annual Collaborative Curatorial Fellowship; the Collaborative Curatorial Fellowship is sponsored by VAE Raleigh.