This May, join the Somerville Public Library and the City of Somerville Health and Human Services Department to "Paint Your Pride!" in a joy-filled series of Community Art events! The completed works will be displayed in the Library's Gallery @ SPL for Pride Month (June 2024).
About Paint Your Pride:
Expressing one’s pride in their individual identities is critical for one’s well-being. Asserting who we are is an act of self-love and self-care. Samples of queer designs meant to inspire will be provided at a several events, and through take-and-make opportunities, but participants are free to paint (or draw, color, or sketch) in any way that best expresses who they are. We hope this experience of painting and sharing who you are with the community will bring feelings of joy, creativity, and of course, pride!
How to Participate:
During the month of May, patrons of the Somerville Public Library, and citizens of Somerville can:
- Attend a Library painting program in-person
- Pick up a "Paint Your Pride" Kit and attend a virtual painting program
- Create a piece of artwork on their own
All completed canvases and artwork should be turned back into the Library by June 1 to be included in our “Paint Your Pride Tiny Art Show,” showcased in the Gallery @ SPL during the month of June.
Please stop by our Gallery in June to take a look at what our community has created, but we especially hope you will join us for a reception on June 15 to celebrate the artists and their work.
Events:
(Virtual) Paint Night: Paint Your Pride!
For this Virtual Paint Night event, you are welcome to use your own supplies, OR you can pick up a "Paint Your Pride" Kit from one of the Somerville Public Library locations. Please register to receive the Zoom link, then join us online to chat as we all paint together!
Paint Your Pride with Alex Makes Art!
Enjoy a playful night of artistry, community building, and empowerment in a safe and supportive space. Alex Makes Art will be leading "Paint your Pride", a mixed media experience in PAINT! We will work our way through tempera sticks, paint markers, and good ol' acrylic paint with a pairing of alternative techniques for application.
Paint Your Pride Family Paint Day
Canvases and painting supplies will be provided at this event, OR you can pick up a "Paint Your Pride" Kit from one of the Somerville Public Library locations. Please register so we know how many supplies we need. This program is intended for children, tweens, and their families.
Queer Craft Night at Central Library: Paint Your Pride
Using acrylics or watercolors, attendees will make a painting that expresses who they are and have the option to participate in our Gallery @ SPL's "Paint Your Pride" Tiny Art Show. Supplies are limited, so please register in advance! This is an all-inclusive event. If you identify as queer or LGBTQ, this event is for you!
Questions? Contact Kerry: keodonnell@somervillema.gov