Gallery Hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons, 12 – 5 PM
OR by appointment, contact us at info@jazzgallerycenterforarts.org
Masks and other COVID-19 precautions are encouraged for all visitors.
Exhibition
January 18th – March 15, 2025
Opening Reception
Saturday, January 18, 2025, 4–6 PM
Lavender & Green Carnation
Lavender & Green Carnation delves into the rich history and enduring significance of symbols that have quietly connected and empowered the LGBTQ+ community, especially during periods of societal or political repression. Throughout history, when openly expressing queer identity was dangerous, individuals relied on subtle signals to identify one another and create a sense of solidarity. Symbols like the lavender flower, associated with resistance and pride, and the green carnation, popularized by writer Oscar Wilde as a discreet nod to queer identity, became lifelines for a community that often had to navigate in secrecy.
As we move into 2025, a time when LGBTQ+ rights are once again facing challenges, this exhibition serves as both a reflection on the resilience of the past and a call to action for the present. It reminds us of how seemingly small items—handkerchiefs, flowers, or quiet gestures—carried immense meaning and provided safety and connection in an often-hostile world. By exploring these queer symbols and the symbolism used in an artist's story telling, Lavender & Green Carnation not only honors their historical significance but also prompts us to consider how we can draw on these lessons of resilience and solidarity in today's shifting political climate.
Related Events
Brayden Shayne Queer Film Screening:
A special screening eaturing films that expand on themes of resilience and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.
February 6, 2025, from 7–9:30 PM