GMHC Presents 'Art & AIDS: Amor y Pasión'

For a sixth year, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art will host, "Art & AIDS: Amor y Pasi�n," an exhibition featuring 45 artists living with HIV and AIDS.

"For many of the artists, participating in the art classes is a healing experience to express emotions about living with HIV and AIDS and the epidemic overall. In fact, for some, this will be the first time ever exhibiting art work in this renowned gallery. We are so appreciative of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art's ongoing generosity," said GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie.

The works of art, utilizing diverse media, is an outcome of work from weekly therapeutic art classes run by GMHC's Volunteer, Work and Wellness Center. Art teachers donate their time to teach classes for GMHC's clients (consisting of professional and non-professional artists), and assist in curating the annual exhibition.

The work sold during the exhibition allows the artists to increase their financial independence, which is particularly important for those who live on a limited income. In addition, the artists are then able to participate in additional art shows as most galleries mandate that artists must have already been part of one show.

"AIDS and HIV have been a subject for many gay artists for the last thirty years and have, unfortunately, become a recognized theme in gay art history," said Hunter O'Hanian, Museum Director. "While this work continues to be made, we will be happy to display it. Our relationship with GMHC has been a long fruitful one and we hope it continues for many years."

In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum will host two additional free events for the general public. On Saturday, January 24, from 6-8 p.m., guests can enjoy "A Conversation on ArtAIDSAmerica" with curator Jonathan David Katz, who will discuss the upcoming national museum exhibition showcasing 30 years of art responding to the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. The exhibition opens in 2015.

And on Thursday, January 29, from 6-8 p.m., there will be a film screening and discussion on the documentary "The Universe of Keith Haring," an intimate portrait of world-renowned artist Keith Haring, whose mantra was that "art is for everyone!" The 90-minute film is a thorough and intimate exploration of the background and career of one of the most popular and significant artists of the 20th century. The post-screening discussion will be led by Julia Gruen, Executive Director of the Keith Haring Foundation.

For more information, visit www.gmhc.org