Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, an interdisciplinary view of LGBTQIA identity and diversity by using the arts as a catalyst for dialogue comes to life in the new exhibition, Prism, at The Frank in Pembroke Pines.
The public is invited to the Prism opening reception at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 22. Guests also will enjoy a special family-friendly performance by South Florida entertainer Tiffany Fantasia. Admission is free, and the exhibition will be on display through May 4.
Curated by The Frank’s Chief Curator Joshua Carden, Prism features the works of artists Tom Atwood, Shawn Bouffard, Steven Chayt, Christian Feneck, Laura Marsh and Sean Mick.
“This exhibition was not only founded with the idea of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, but it also is meant to encourage everyone to celebrate any aspect of selfhood,” said Carden. “Prism shines a light on the LGBTQ+ community and the societal constraints and obstacles they overcame. Through Prism we hope to expand the community’s progressive attitude beyond the mainstream population by celebrating the diversity of South Florida and fostering an inclusive space that can effect social change through art.”
Also on view during the exhibition will be “Our Broward Story,” a short film made by the Stonewall National Museum and Archives that chronicles a campaign in the 1990s to protect Broward County’s LGBTQ community from discrimination. With support from The Community Foundation of Broward, this documentary, directed by Andy Perrott, features longtime activists including Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.
In The Frank’s Third Space Gallery, which specifically focuses on supporting non-profit organizations, educational partners, underrepresented populations and community advocacy groups, “Florida Imagined” will be on display from February 22 through March 30. Florida Imagined features the work from the gifted artists of St. Petersburg, Fla.-based The Inspired Artist Studios @ PARC, a career advancement initiative for artists of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities wishing to participate in Florida’s thriving creative industry. The opening reception for Florida Imagined from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 22 is free and open to the public.
As part of Prism, The Frank also will offer free fun, engaging and educational workshops, lectures and events for children and adults. For more information, visit thefrankgallery.org/events.
The Frank is located in the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines at 601 City Center Way. Admission to The Frank is free. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about The Frank, call 954.392.2120, email thefrank@ppines.com or visit thefrankgallery.org.
