The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity Supports “Resonantly Me: A Queer Artist’s Invitational” at Bakersfield Museum of Art

​Bakersfield, CA - The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity is proud to announce its support for “Resonantly Me: A Queer Artist’s Invitational,” a groundbreaking art exhibit curated by Victor Gonzales, hosted at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. The exhibit will run from May 30, 2024, to September 7, 2024, located in the Ablin Gallery.

Summer Exhibits Opening Reception:

• PC Member Reception (including exhibiting artists): 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
• General Reception: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • ​Members: FREE
  • Non-members: $10
  • Students/Seniors: $5
  • Tickets can be purchased online or at the door
    

“Resonantly Me” features forty artists from Southern California, Northern California, and Bakersfield, showcasing the vibrant creativity and unique perspectives of 2SLGBTQIA+ artists. The exhibition celebrates the kaleidoscope of human experience as seen through queer artists, from bold expressions of identity to poignant reflections on society. Participating artists include Donald Bradford, J Carino, Enrique Castrejon, Eli Cather, Luis Felipe Chávez, Ben Cuevas, Rakeem Cunningham, Ruben Esparza, Rebecca Farr, C Fodoreanu, Gabriel Garbow, David Gordon, Chuck Hohng, Carl Hopgood, Chase Irvin, Louis Jacinto, Jason Jenn, Alma Landeta, Ahn Lee, Michelle Jane Lee, Edmund Liang, David Ligare, Humberto Maldonado, Zära Monet, John T.D. Murphy, Ramekon O’Arwisters, Alisyn Palla, Elizabeth Patterson, Vojislav Radovanovic, Lucky Rapp, Yunfei Ren, Christian Rogers, Marshall Sharpe, Suzanne Shifflett, Joey Terrill, Eric Theodore, Brea Weinreb, Tanya Wischerath, Kristen Wong, and Jun Yang.

“Our vision is for a community where diversity is celebrated, health and wellness are accessible to all, and every person feels valued, respected, and connected,” said Jesus Martell Gonzalez, Executive Director at The Center. “This exhibit aligns perfectly with our mission, as it emphasizes the importance of representation and provides a platform for queer stories to be told and appreciated.”

The exhibit not only showcases the artistic expressions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but also fosters emotional resonance and connection among viewers. By engaging with these artworks, visitors can experience the richness and diversity of queer lives, encouraging understanding and empathy.

Victor Gonzales, the curator of “Resonantly Me,” has carefully selected works that draw inspiration from California's storied history as a hub for 2SLGBTQIA+ culture and activism. Each piece in the exhibit challenges norms and fosters understanding, creating a dialogue between the artist and the viewer. This collaborative experience amplifies each artist’s voice and empowers those who may feel marginalized, fostering a sense of belonging and validation.

“At the root of this exhibit is the importance of representation,” Gonzales said. “Humans strive to see themselves in all forms of media, and this exhibit aims to drum up that sense of belonging and validation for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”

The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity envisions a future where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive and belong to a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic community, where their rights, contributions, and wellbeing are recognized and upheld by all. “Resonantly Me” is a step towards that future, creating a space where queer art can be appreciated and where everyone can feel a sense of connection and resonance.

Tickets for “Resonantly Me: A Queer Artist’s Invitational” can be purchased at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. For more information about the exhibit and The Center’s mission, please visit: https://www.bmoa.org/ 

About The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity
The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity is dedicated to enhancing the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Kern County through health and wellness, education, advocacy, and access to mental healthcare. We envision a future where every 2SLGBTQIA+ individual lives in an empowering, inclusive, and supportive environment, celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of belonging and validation.

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