(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- art629 Gallery will be hosting a pride month exhibition which will be on display from June 4th through the 4th of July weekend. This exhibition, titled “Pride” will feature 13 LGBTQIA+ and ally artists. In honor of NJ Pride Month and in commemoration of the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, an event which helped spark the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, we will be showcasing art in a variety of media that represents the culture of the LGBTQIA+ community. Some of the art celebrates the love, fun and enjoyment to be found within the community, and some brings awareness to the persecution and suffering they face.

The “Pride” exhibit will feature the following artists: Allison Kolarik (AK), Amie Wuchter, Carol Magnatta, Dominíck Severino, Ernest Wildenhain, Joe LaMattina, Kevin Jakubowski, Maggie Fischer, Mallory Massara, Michael Pyrdsa, Michelle Renee Bernard, Shaune Pony Heath, and Zachary Delacruz. They will also be featuring a poem by local poet Blush Ellis.

Art629 curator, Brittany James, says “This show is going to be so much fun, not only because it coincides with NJ's Annual LGBTQ Pride Celebration, but because we have so many artists participating and such a wide variety of work on display; some with an important message such as “Trans People Are Not Your Teachable Moment” by Allison Kolarik and some with a more comical, playful approach like Kevin Jakubowskis image of a cat in a rocket ship with a rainbow wearing Elton John style sunglasses. We have multiple pieces done in a unique combination of pastel and gel pen by Ernest Wildenhain that are inspired by Walt Whitman poems. There’s everything from original photography by Jersey City based artist Dominíck Severino to large mixed media pieces by Joe LaMattina. Michael Pyrdsas painting style is more realistic, while Zachary Delacruz is more abstract. There’s something for everybody.”

On Saturday, June 4 from 6:00pm-9:00pm, art629 Gallery will be hosting an opening reception for the pride month exhibition.

“I want to promote equality, respect, an awareness. Pride month is about being proud of who you are, and recognizing the impact LGBTQ people have had in the world. These artists’ works are so different from one another, and that’s what makes this exhibit so beautiful as a whole”

Art 629 is located at 629 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey.  Gallery hours vary, and it is suggested to call ahead for hours of operation. For further information about this show or to make an appointment, call Brittany James (908) 278-1597, or visit the art629 website at www.art629.com.  

IMAGES: (TOP) “At The Festival”, Oil on Canvas, by Michael Pyrdsa (BOTTOM) "Just Guys 3" acrylic on canvas, by Zachary Delacruz