United & Proud 2007

The Present Meets the Past in Local Gay Pride Exhibitions Image by Pompano Bill (l to r) Chuck Williams, President ArtsUnited, Mayor Eggelletion, Jack Rutland, Executive Director Stonewall Library and Archives Press Info: Jack Rutland, Stonewall Library 954-763-8565   Chuck Williams, ArtsUnited 954-567-1566 Two of Florida's preeminent gay art and cultural organizations shared the spotlight on June 6th when ArtsUnited and the Stonewall Library and Archives simultaneously opened Gay Pride Exhibits at Gallery Six, Broward County Main Library, 100 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL. ArtsUnited unveiled its annual "United and Proud" visual art exhibit showcasing the original works of over 50 gay and lesbian artists. The Stonewall Library and Archives opened its latest historic exhibit "Days Without Sunshine" documenting Anita Bryant's anti-gay crusade of 30 years ago. This professionally produced and curated display was sponsored by American Express, Pride South Florida, Comcast and Broward County Libraries Division. Over 400 guests attended the Opening Reception, which was sponsored by Pride South Florida, The Melting Pot, Stork's, New Moon Bar, 411 Magazine and the Express Gay News. Broward County Mayor Josephus Eggelletion welcomed the audience and spoke of the parallels between the African-American community's "putting a face on hate" in the 1960's and the gay and lesbian community's doing the same in the 1970's. Mayor Scott Newton and City Commissioner Craig Sherritt, both of Wilton Manors, were also in attendance. The visual art exhibit entries were judged by Steven Glassman and Tin Ly of the Broward County Cultural Division. Prizes were presented to Ric Benda - Best of Show, Alfred Philips - People's Choice, P.E. Hebert(postumously) - Best Drawing/Print, Dennis Dean - Best Photograph, Philip Kinbar - Best Painting, Carlos Alves - Best Mixed Media, and Timothy Leistner and Randy Fischer - Judges' Recognition. Both exhibits will remain on display through the month of June. Admission is free and open to the public during normal library hours. For more information about Stonewall Library and Archives, go online to http://www.stonewall-library.org. For more information about ArtsUnited, go online to http://artsunitedonline.org.