Bailee: The Everson Museum of Art. A place where being unique makes you special.
Tonight, unique people of all kinds will come out to “Queer Night”, an event being put on by Sage Upstate and the Q Center.
The event will “bridge generations and foster understanding within the LGBTQ+ community.”
It all started when Learning and Engagement Coordinator Shari Merten realized the museum had no LGBT+ identity.
Shari: “I first moved to Syracuse about a year ago and realized there wasn’t a lot of queer programing happening at the museum. So I wanted to change that.”
Bailee: Merten says the LGBTQ+ plus community in Syracuse is surprisingly large.
According to the New York State Department of Health, the LGBTQ+ community makes up 7.9% of the state’s population.
IN A WORLD WHERE BEING DIFFERENT IS OFTEN LOOKED DOWN UPON, THE EVERSON MUSEUM IS GIVING THOSE PEOPLE A PLACE TO BE DIFFERENT.
Just like the art in the new Pepe Mars exhibit, the Everson Museum embraces the uniqueness of all who grace their halls.
Merten says just like the art on the walls, there’s a place for everyone to be their true selves.
Shari: “Just take your time and know that there are places that you belong.”
Bailee: In Syracuse, I’m Bailee Marie Tucker…N-C-C News
Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — LGBTQ+ representation is increasing as the Everson Art Museum hosts, “Queer Night.” This event came to be when Learning and Engagement Coordinator Shari Merten first stepped into town.
Merten moved to Syracuse about a year ago and immediately realized the LGBTQ+ community was booming.
“I think there’s a lot of people wanting to get out and do things,” says Merten. “But as far as people putting on programs, I don’t see a lot.”
Merten and her fellow staff members at the Everson Art Museum decided to team up with Sage Upstate and the Q Center to create “Queer Night” an event to “bridge generations and foster understanding within the LGBTQ+ community.”
Young and old are invited to experience the Pepe Mar exhibit that celebrates uniqueness through collage and screen printed designs.
“When you draw and doodle you eventually come up with a personal style,” Mar said in an interview with the museum.
This night is all about expressing your own personal style in a judgement-free space.
Merten says that it is important to “know there are places that you belong.”
For more information about upcoming events at the Everson Museum, visit www.everson.org.
