The Union Gallery at the UA is looking for students to submit artwork for its gender themed showcase.
The showcase, titled “Gender Blender: Identities in Flux” explores the topic of gender identity and what it means in society. This is the first time the gallery will be hosting the event along with Associated Students of the University of Arizona Pride Alliance.
“It’s still pretty new but so far it has been good,” said gallery coordinator Mandy Garcia, a graduate student in higher education. “Students are really excited and we are excited about the message this exhibit will bring and we are hoping that it will really create a lot more awareness to people and help push forward the topic.”
The exhibition is sent to run from Oct. 31, to Nov. 30 at the Union Gallery in the Student Union Memorial Center. The dates are set do coincide with Transgender Awareness Week, which begins Nov. 14.
“The idea started as a desire to educate others on diversity,” said Stephen Hall, an art history senior and gallery member. “We wanted to start a discussion on gender as being more than just black and white and show the aesthetics of a deeper meaning.”
The last day to submit artwork to the showcase will be Oct. 11. It is open to all artists and skill levels with a $5 fee for the first three images.
The only requirement for the piece is that it needs to represent anything but a typical gender expression. Some of the categories the gallery will be using to display the work include “Nobody performs gender the same way” and “Blurring boundaries.”
“We’re open to any types of mediums,” Garcia said. “I encourage students to submit their art. It should be a really good exhibit and a good way to get your art out there.”
Some of the types of artwork that the gallery is looking for include paintings, photography and drawings. Experimental techniques are also welcomed and the gallery has already gotten some submitted work of that nature.
“So far we have gotten digital and projection work from students,” Hall said. “But we obviously want more.”
Applications are available at the Union Gallery. All work will be chosen on how well it fits with the categories of the show. People who do not turn in work are still encouraged to attend when it opens.
“We would still like them to come and check out the exhibit when it opens at the end of October,” said Garcia. “We hope to get a good response on what is presented.”
