Museum Studies 

Mark Errol

ABSTRACT

Don鈥檛 Say Hey is a curatorial project to create a forum for changing a growing social and cultural tide. Since 2016, we have had a cataclysmic decaying shift in the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. My project, a 铿乶e art, and craft exhibition of artworks by established LGBTQ+ artists will be shown alongside and in conversation with students from Valdosta State University. Through art, we will confront the 鈥淧arental Rights in Education鈥� bill as well as legislature being proposed and passed here in the Deep South. Artists have always been at the forefront of helping others see and be aware of what is happening in society. With Don鈥檛 Say Hey, artists are addressing topics of identity, gender and sexuality as they are under siege; many of the legalities we have fought and won are in danger. I have chosen to invite artists working in ceramics, textiles, painting and drawing, as well as having testimonials by these artists to speak to the next generation.  This pairing of intergenerational artists will be a guide to the students in 铿乶ding coding, comfort, connection, and con铿乨ence to continue to create the art they want to make as the world around them seeks to silence their creativity and safety.