Following its successful summer art exhibition “Queer Love,” Thou Art Woman (TAW) returns with a new exhibit at a new venue. “Rain to Rainbow,” a collection of art pieces that display the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ community, opens Dec. 14 at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Fort Lauderdale. According to TAW co-founder Nik Harris, the venue partnership is particularly meaningful.
“We are so excited to bring Thou Art Woman to the Marriott brand. They believe in equality like we believe in equality. Having our artists featured in a space where folks from all over the world will see their work makes us happy and proud.”
The exhibition’s theme emerged in response to the rise of anti-LGBTQ and anti-Black legislation in Florida and the resulting challenges that LGBTQ people in the state have faced. “Rain to Rainbows” creatively confronts these ongoing obstacles, celebrates LGBTQ resilience and joy, and aims to ensure greater equity and representation.
“This exhibition is the perfect way to kick off Thou Art Woman’s 10th-anniversary celebration,” said TAW’s other co-founder, G Wright, “We’re so grateful to the Courtyard by Marriott for inviting us to display work and create a space for our community to gather and celebrate.”
Harris and Wright founded TAW, the exhibit’s presenting partner, in 2014 as an event series to uplift LGBTQ women and allies through visual and performing arts events. Over the past decade, TAW has provided its growing fanbase with more than 40 programs. More recently, Harris and Wright co-founded the nonprofit BLINC, the producer of “Rain to Rainbows.” BLINC helps BIPOC LGBTQ people lead happier and healthier lives through the arts, health and wellness programs, and strategic community partnerships.
Harris and Wright co-curated “Rain to Rainbows” along with Hannah Loomis, a Corporate Art Curator with Prime Group. The eclectic nine-person lineup of new and returning artists who have contributed to the exhibition includes Sienna Huebner, L. HueMims, Jane Kreinberg, Zipporah Michel, Khaulah Naima Nuruddin, Daniela Sanchez Vegas, Tracy Ann Simmonds, Shalisa West, and G Wright. TAW has also reprised a lauded video installation from the Black Queer Love Project, a collaboration by Royal Brown Photography and BLINC that debuted during TAW’s August 2023 exhibition.
The “Rain to Rainbows” Exhibition officially opens on Dec. 14 with a reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. followed by an afterparty with live performances by Nany G, SublimeLuv, and Arsimmer McCoy and music by Siewave from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Admission for the exhibition’s opening event is free, but guests must register at http://thouartwoman.com/tickets. The exhibition will remain installed in the lobby and café of the Courtyard by Marriott through June 2024, so those unable to attend its launch event will still have time to experience it.
For more information, visit https://www.thouartwoman.com/