Equality HI: Queer and Able Hawaii Artist Collaborative Art Exhibit

Queer and Abled Hawai’i Artists Collaborative Art Exhibit In celebration of Pride Month, Equality HI is proud to present Queer and Abled Hawai’i Artists Collaborative Art Exhibit, at the One Gallery in bayfront Hilo, on First Friday, June 7, 2024, 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Queer and Abled Hawai’i Artists Collaborative was established through a $5,000 grant from ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). One of two unique Equality Hi sponsored art exhibits for Pride month, Queer and Abled Hawai’i Artists Collaborative is a pioneering platform that integrates the perspectives and talents of queer and disabled artists into a tapestry of inclusive creativity, in the Puna district of Hawai‘i Island. The Equality HI Queer and Abled Hawai‘i Artists Collaborative consisted of ten artists and four artist facilitators, creating unique mixed media artwork in a two-day intensive. With partnerships from Abled Hawai’i Artists and Full Life Hawai’i, artists with disabilities were provided individual support through paid Direct Support Professionals.

One of our featured artists, Abbie Rabinowitz, Seaview Performing Arts Center & Education (She/Her) states: “People need to connect and art is the bridge for people to express themselves with others without a sense of good or bad or failure…it eliminates barriers. Being able to work on each other’s artwork and pass it around, encourage others, and invite others to work on our art…that’s unique!” “I want to continue this work in my teaching, because it breaks down barriers. I’m so glad I was invited to attend because I’m having a unique experience! Wouldn’t it be great if I approached the community as if they’re already artists and let’s do something together. I really think that is the next step…” Another featured artist, Avalon Oradea (They/Them) speaks to the creative process and learning of new techniques: “Being surrounded by other queer and also disabled artists has been really phenomenal. And then resin pouring yesterday, working with the fire, working with wood burning, these are traditions I’m not familiar with So…brain expansion! It’s been really really fun!” …” Another featured artist, Kami Carter-Sullivan (She/Her) speaks of their experience of inclusion and representation: “Having a place to meet people of the same life. They struggle the same as I have…was life-changing! These people I’m going to be friends with… a lifetime. To be able to talk to people and share ideas and be creative…it was really amazing to me. I’ll never forget it. I never thought of myself as an artist. But after this, I’m an artist, and believe that with all my heart…because of what these people showed me!” Join Equality HI as we celebrate Pride Month, featuring queer artists and their fabulous artwork!