Thanks for joining us for our 2021 Pride Festivities. Thanks to your efforts, we raised over $20,000 for our Can’t Stop Pride Campaign!
See our Recorded Panels and Art Contest entries below!
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Art Competition & Gallery
See artist information in description to purchase any art peices and support local LGBTQ+ artists!
CONGRATS to our WINNERS!
1st Place
Birth of Ra - Stephen Alford
Stephen is a non-binary visual artist born and raised in Neptune Beach, Florida, whose work centers on the recreation of mythological and magical figures from spanning cultures. They chose to highlight queer youth from the east coast and collaborate with the models to portray powerful representations of LGBTQ+ persons. In creating the images, Stephen works with makeup artistry, styling, and concept creation to align with the model’s idea of personal beauty. In this piece, Stephen collaborated with a local Jacksonville model, August Jhai, to portray Ra, an Egyptian god of the sun. In efforts to highlight Black queer youth in the beauty space, Stephen elected to create the headpiece to accompany the model to represent holiness. http://www.instagram.com/predestined/?hl=en
2nd Place
Undecided - Aaron Williams
Aaron was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He fell in love with photography at an early age using his family as models. His passion grew as he matured; he spent his twenties traveling the world learning about other cultures and himself. The film AMERICAN BEAUTY introduced Aaron to the world of cinema. He creates moments in time that appears to marry the feel of cinema with the power of the print. Aaron currently studies photography at Savannah College of Art and Design as the recipient of the Frances Larkin McCommon full-tuition scholarship. http://aaronkicksass.com
3rd Place
Lovers 4- Sage Look
Sage Look (he/they) is a portrait photographer from South Elgin, Illinois currently studying fine art and commercial photography at the savannah college of art and design. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Look strives to photograph sexuality and gender identity through queer individuals. http://asagelook.com
stuck in the renaissance- Sage Look (he/they) is a portrait photographer from South Elgin, Illinois currently studying fine art and commercial photography at the savannah college of art and design. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Look strives to photograph sexuality and gender identity through queer individuals. http://asagelook.com
Air Heads- Katelyn Myrick is a current student at Savannah College of Art and Design. She has done everything from travel photography to graduation commissions. She doesn't have any limits when it comes to the type of photography she does and enjoys. Photography is her passion, hobby, and aspiring career. http://katelynmyrick.wixsite.com/my-site
Alchemia #1- My name is Joseph Zuniga, I am Currently enrolled at SCAD in Savannah GA as a 3d game designer. Originally from Chicago Illinois, I decided to join the Marines where I spent 5 years learning and working as an Aircraft mechanic. I have come a long way to get to this point but I can say one thing for sure, I have never given up on art. Although those 5 years in the military were tough, I always made time for art. Once I finally got out of the Marine Corps I decided to build up some courage and take a leap into a profession I could really see myself falling in love with! I have not regretted all the time and effort I have put in thus far, every class has taught me so much, and now I am beginning to create my own 3D art. I hope you all can enjoy getting to know me some more through my art work, and my postings on my progress in schooling as well! http://Www.Zunistate.com
Pile of Confusion- Grace Wisdom- My name is Grace, also known as planttcell as my online pseudonym, and I'm a bisexual animation student fostering my love for visual development and illustration. I'm from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I grew up with an instilled love of Cajun culture (and comfort food, of course). I love to incorporate diversity and inclusion into my work so that everyone can see themselves in fantasy worlds. When you feel whisked away from reality with artwork, that's the feeling that I hope I can provide to the marginalized and those who are often underrepresented. I also love dogs. Dogs are always good. https://planttcell.wixsite.com/gracewisdom
the lovers (No. 10 of series)- Sage Look (he/they) is a portrait photographer from South Elgin, Illinois currently studying fine art and commercial photography at the savannah college of art and design. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Look strives to photograph sexuality and gender identity through queer individuals. http://asagelook.com
Undecided - Aaron Williams was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He fell in love with photography at an early age using his family as models. His passion grew as he matured; he spent his twenties traveling the world learning about other cultures and himself. The film AMERICAN BEAUTY introduced Aaron to the world of cinema. He creates moments in time that appears to marry the feel of cinema with the power of the print. Aaron currently studies photography at Savannah College of Art and Design as the recipient of the Frances Larkin McCommon full-tuition scholarship. http://aaronkicksass.com
Gawk - TAYLER DOUGLAS, Trans Taurus woman, independent artist.
Tasha - Frances Gootman, a current MFA candidate, lives in Savannah, GA with her girlfriend and their two dogs. Her creative life meandered through a career in graphic and exhibition design leading her to an adjunct faculty position at the Art Institute of Charleston prior to its closing. During her time teaching many computer based fashion courses she quickly realized her interest in textiles, and the need to escape from the screen into a more tactile form of expression. The Fibers department at SCAD has since provided the optimal environment for her creative needs for the past two years; despite being forced back to the screen due to the pandemic. Much of her current work explores personal realizations through multi media installation. Inspired by empathy, body positivity, and personal growth her submitted work exhibits varieties of embodiments through textiles, printmaking, and drawing. The repetitive and historical practice of stitch work combined with figures from live drawing sessions represent a celebration of the female figure, the elevation of "women's work" and ephemeral physical existence
Breaking Wave- Kristin Myers resides in Savannah, GA where she works with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as a Foundations Professor by day, thriving artist by night, and beach-going surfer on the weekends. She received her BFA in Painting and Drawing from SCAD in 2006 and her MFA in Studio Art from the Moore College of Art and Design in 2013. Her work has been shown nationally in Savannah, Philadelphia, Florida, New Jersey, and internationally in Ireland and France. Most recently, she was commissioned to create an 11’x29’ mural of one of her crashing waves in a new residential space in Savannah that will debut summer 2021. Before moving to Savannah three years ago, Kristin managed the gallery at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences in New Jersey from 2008-2011, where she was the co-curator for over thirty exhibitions and the sole curator of the LBIF’s single most successful exhibition, “Where Oceans Converge.” In addition to her gallery and museum work, Kristin also taught painting and drawing at the Rowan College at Burlington County, NJ and at Ocean County College, NJ. A few years ago she relocated from the Jersey Shore to Savannah GA where she worked for SCAD as an art preparator. Over the next three years she has been part of a six person team who installs around thirty exhibitions annually on the Savannah and Atlanta campuses. She even had the amazing opportunity at the beginning of last summer to travel to Lacoste France where SCAD has a satellite campus to install a tribute exhibition to the late Pierre Cardin. Don’t worry, those long days of installing in the galleries were followed by wine filled evenings overlooking the lavender filled hills of Provence all the while filling up a sketchbook with new ideas to bring home to Savannah. While she continues to make art about the ocean and spend as much time as she can at the beach, she has kept busy with her new career as a full-time professor of Foundations at SCAD teaching the incoming students about Drawing and Design. http://www.kristindraws.com
10 Years a Hulk- Philip Bonneau - I was born in New Orleans and raised predominantly in Savannah before spending an adult life in Atlanta and South Florida before the cycle reversed and I revisited Atlanta and now back in Savannah. During my professional career I've worked with some of the biggest companies in the world as a nobody. I tried to become a somebody when I ventured off into re-exploring fine art and photography on my own self-learned course. Atlanta, the Phoenix city, birthed so much into me about civil rights. Where I am at today is about human rights and the experience it brings to the table of neither a filtered perspective or one that could not easily be destroyed or made. I became a person of interest along the way of my own explorations. My Heroes + Villains series was introduced in 2011 and has been a Wonderland of sorts to come to terms with growing up in a controlled environment outside of reality and with the common message of acceptance of individuality and dreams. I envisioned it as a 4 part series and there have been 3 official volumes and one cumulative showing that was an official part of Atlanta Pride. It has been years since I've done an official showing of my works, but here and there I call on my Heroes+Villains to help guide me along the way. I submit this virtual image for your consideration to invite dialog of conversation within artistic intention behind an image and to question what it is you are actually looking at in the context of what goes on behind the scenes of any artist trying to create anything visual for the world. To discount anyone is to not understand what you are looking at. Even with words provided things are left still unanswered. Freedom of expression. Freedom to dream. Freedom to try to be a beacon of green light across the bay to help others on their journey. http://www.philipbonneau.com
the absence of Your legs wrapped around Mine like vines - Abigail Milawski is an artist based in Savannah, Georgia, whose practice dives deep into the world of painting. Her work explores personal experiences such as heartbreak, anxiety, and loneliness. Her work stands apart because of her ability to be incredibly vulnerable, leaving a piece of herself behind in each work. She has expanded her artistic field into the world of poetry, which has helped her become more comfortable in her painting practice. The proudest moment of her career thus far is receiving acceptance into the Savannah College of Art and Design where she is currently working towards receiving her B.F.A. in Painting. She will graduate in May of 2022 with plans to become a studio artist. http://www.abigailmilawski.com/
Birth of Ra - Stephen is a non-binary visual artist born and raised in Neptune Beach, Florida, whose work centers on the recreation of mythological and magical figures from spanning cultures. They chose to highlight queer youth from the east coast and collaborate with the models to portray powerful representations of LGBTQ+ persons. In creating the images, Stephen works with makeup artistry, styling, and concept creation to align with the model’s idea of personal beauty. In this piece, Stephen collaborated with a local Jacksonville model, August Jhai, to portray Ra, an Egyptian god of the sun. In efforts to highlight Black queer youth in the beauty space, Stephen elected to create the headpiece to accompany the model to represent holiness. http://www.instagram.com/predestined/?hl=en
Blue jay - Nicholas Zuino is from Jacksonville, Florida. He became interested in charcoal and traditional painting after spending much time indoors after an injury. He is currently studying at Savannah College of Art and Design, focusing his artistic passion into talent. He came out his freshman year of high school as a gay man, and since he has worked with JASMYN and the Human Rights Campaign to create a more accepting community in his traditional hometown. Blue jay is a self-portrait duet he started once he came out. The left side is completed with charcoal, while the right side is finished with acrylic paints. He hoped to show that after coming out, it eventually got better for himself. At first, he did not feel comfortable with people knowing his biggest shame. But on the right side, four years later, he has learned to embrace his sexual identity.
Meet the Judges:
KRISTA HARBERSON
Krista Harberson (she/they) holds a BFA in painting from the University of Montevallo and an MFA in Studio Art from Florida State University. Krista has been a full-time professor in the foundations department of SCAD - Savannah since 2001 and the faculty advisor for SCAD's Gay-Straight Alliance Queers & Allies since 2006. She is also the faculty advisor for the SCAD Women's Empowerment Club and sits on the board of officers of Park Place Outreach.
DONOVAN EDWARD
Donovan Edward (all pronouns) previously served as the Executive Director of First City Pride Center and now serves on the Board of Directors for the organization. Donovan is also a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology graduate student at Georgia Southern University. His research interests lie in PTSD and generalized trauma in LGBTQIA+ communities and the efficacy of treatment modalities on these marginalized groups. Donovan has worked alongside the Georgia Southern University Psychology department to bring free and reduced-cost mental and behavioral health to the Southeast Georgia queer community through The Prism Clinic.
JESS MINCKLEY
Jess Minckley, (they/she) holds a BFA (2005) and MFA (2013) from Otis College of Art & Design, Los Angeles, CA. Jess is a full time professor of Foundation Studies at the Savannah College of Art & Design. Jess has exhibited their work internationally and is a former gallery director and independent curator. Jess is also becoming an art therapist who champions work with those whose Queer identities intersect with their membership in the d/Disability community.
RICHIE COOK
Richie Cook has been a part of the theatre community of Savannah for the past ten years performing, directing, and teaching. He helped build a fine arts program for St. Andrew's School and served as chair of the department. He has performed and directed productions with the Savannah Children's Theatre, SCAD, the Historic Savannah Theatre, Collective Face Theatre Ensemble, and The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. He is a member of the Savannah Philharmonic Choir and teaches Acting, Musical Theatre, and Theatre Literature at Savannah Arts Academy. In his spare time he enjoys gardening with Plan It Green Designs, working stand-in roles in the local film industry, and volunteering for Savannah Pride's Youth committee.
Workshops & Panels
Learn about Mental & Physical Health, Community Projects and more!
For a Healthier Savannah. Get Educated!
Learn about transgender and non-binary healthcare, local community organizations and projects, mental health & more!
Prism Clinic: How to Recognize and Support Mental Health in Queer Spaces
Tuesday October 19th | 7PM
Behavioral health professionals and leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community will discuss the process of identifying and supporting individuals in need of care. The panel will discuss and answer questions on best practices in identifying mental health concerns and connecting LGBTQIA+ individuals to supportive services. In addition, panelists will help define and describe affirming services and how to locate such services in the community.
Prism Clinic: Preventing Suicide with Support and Strength in the LGBTQIA+ Community
Wednesday October 20th | 7PM
Behavioral health professionals and leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community will discuss best practices in preventing suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Panelists will discuss common triggers for suicidal behavior in the LGBTQIA+ community and how to appropriately intervene with friends and family who are at-risk. Discussions will also highlight resources known to help LGBTQIA+ individuals recover and reclaim their identities with strength and resilience.
Prism Clinic: Using Your Emotions to Build a 'Gayer' Life
Thursday October 21st | 7PM
Behavioral health professionals and leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community will discuss best practices in managing emotions. Specifically, panelists will discuss the purpose and function of emotions and how they can be regulated to help LGBTQIA+ individuals cope with social stressors. In addition, panelists will discuss how LGBTQIA+ persons can capitalize on emotional states to bring about greater well-being resources, including creativity, openness, love, and community.
Municipal Archives: LGBT+ Oral History of Savannah Project
Sunday October 24th | 7PM
Join City Archivist Luciana Spracher and additional panelists to discuss Savannah’s LGBTQ+ history and the ongoing project. The Municipal Archives continually strives to document Savannah's diverse communities, neighborhoods, and citizens. The addition of voices from the LGBTQ+ community will help ensure that we are preserving a more inclusive, informative, and complete history of Savannah and everyone that makes up Savannah's story. Want to contribute? Tune in via FB live on the First City Pride Center’s Page.
Migrant Equity Southeast: The Struggle of Advocating for LGBTQ Rights in Immigration Detention
Monday October 25th | 7PM
Join a panel by Migrant Equity Southeast on this very important topic!
The Colored Lens: the QTPOC Perspective
Tuesday October 26th | 7PM
Life at the intersection of Queerness and being a person of color creates a multi-colored lens through which one lives their life. Join panelists for a discussion on the lived experiences of Queer and Trans Person of Color and how as a community we can support our POC siblings. Tune in via FB live on the First City Pride Center’s Page.
Ella Butler: Death Investigation and Transgender/Nonbinary Body Identification
Wednesday October 27th
True Crime Fan? Trans Activist? Either way this talk is for you! Tune in for this macabre subject that is as equally fascinating as it is important to our community. It’s time to make change!
Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt
Search Savannah for LGBTQ+ businesses handing out treats, clues, and fun!
For A More Connected Savannah. Stay safe out there!
Congrats to our Scavenger Hunt Winners Lori and Gracie!
Open Mic Night
At the Sentient Bean
For a More Connected Savannah. Show your talent!
Presented by The Sentient Bean
Savannah’s only family friendly Open Mic Night at the Sentient Bean!
Missed Pride Open Mic? You’re in luck! It happens every Fourth Thursday at 6pm!
*Masks and social distancing will be required, with hand sanitizer and mic covers available.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
