LGBTQ+ Atlanta artist collective’s debut exhibition set for Sept. 17

On Sept Atlanta will meet a new collective of LGBTQ artists in their debut exhibition Being FRANK It is Because I Am Founded in early FRANK is a region of LGBTQ artists based in Atlanta to create safe inclusive spaces for queer voices and spark dialogue on art tradition politics sexuality and gender Member Krista M Jones a muralist explained Georgia Voice that she was approached by members Royce Soble and David Clifton-Strawn in with the idea for a queer art collective The origin of FRANK traces back to last year when a limited of us dove into the archives of Taboo a gay artist collective that thrived in Atlanta during the s and s she explained That rediscovery paired with our creative connections and the urgent need for artistic expression and society backing in in the modern day s political circumstances solidified our decision to form FRANK and establish the founding members earlier this year The group consists of members architect and multidisciplinary artist Yousef Bushehri illustrator and painter Stan Clark photographer and digital artist Billy Clifton-Strawn portrait artist David Clifton-Strawn art therapist Orion Crook video and sculpture artist Andy Jackson digital artist kbyte photographer Just Toby abstract painter Royce Soble textile artist Clint Zeagler and Jones Left to right from top Orion Crook Yousef Bushehri kbyte Stan Clark Royce Soble Krista M Jones Just Toby Clint Zeagler David Clifton-Strawn Andy Jackson and Billy Clifton Strawn Courtesy photos The group meets every two weeks Jones noted to kick around ideas and elevate each other s work With increasing legislative and executive attacks on the LGBTQ locality Jones commented the group is a encouragement system that s crucial now more than ever united under the belief in art as a power of pure free expression When we look at history and we look at countries that have been under dictatorships and authoritarian governments art is one of the first things that gets yanked whitewashed and censored she stated I think art is the only space that a person can be truly free honestly because as an artist I can create whatever I want FRANK s debut exhibition opens Sunday September from to p m in a transformed retail space at Ansley Mall Piedmont Ave NE Suite The immersive event will include music new and existing pieces ranging for sculpture and painting to photography and works on paper and the opportunity for the area to meet the artists Being FRANK It is Because I Am is free to attend RSVP here To learn more about the founding artists of FRANK visit frankatl org Related stories Arts locality provides feedback on future LGBTQ center Art amusement park opens Sept at Pullman Yards The post LGBTQ Atlanta artist collective s debut exhibition set for Sept appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta