“Queer the Art,” an exhibit by up and coming LGBT artists, opened last week at Show & Tell, which is a lesbian-owned concept store located at 1300 Clay Street, Suite #160 in Oakland. The event drew a large supportive crowd, including Mayor Jean Quan. It provided a safe space for queer artists to promote their visibility in the arts. Eighteen artists were chosen by a jury consisting of Nichole Payton and Alyah Baker, owners of Show & Tell, and by members of YAFA and LGBT Youth and Family Advocacy. It is free and will be on display until July 13.

The paintings and sculpture invite viewers’ minds to engage with a wide range of self-expression and social commentary. Thought provoking, expressive portraits, as well as abstract art, reach deep within viewers’ souls and stir up emotions that hopefully lead to questioning one’s attitudes about the LGBT experience. “Straight Pride Parade” by Lena Gallagher makes a deliciously sarcastic comment, and Lisa Hoffer’s “Drag King” and “Trans-form” force visitors to confront their feelings about the concept of gender bending. Ryan Castillo’s “iLife Constantly” seemed to comment on the questionable pervasiveness of technology, but according to the artist, “it was a piece that would catch someone’s eye and mean different things to different people.” Rachel Frankel submitted a portrait of singer/songwriter “Carolyn ‘Chubby’ Berk” of the queer band Lovers because Frankel felt moved by Berk’s intimate and vulnerable vibe. All pieces relate to the LGBT experience.

Show & Tell is a 7-month-old concept store that sells clothes and housewares by local indie designers who are committed to ethical and sustainable production of US-made or fair trade items. They also support eco-friendly designers who give proceeds to community causes. Baker, an artist herself, and Payton want to incorporate art into the store and plan to have a new show every two months. “When I found out about Show & Tell I fell in love with the concept,” said Nickey Holmes from Her Berries, who catered the event along with Marla Erojo from Cakes by M.E. “When I looked at them on-line, I saw all the Bay Area products. Everything is so different, yet so cohesive. I like supporting the arts and the LGBT community.” Erojo agreed and said, “This is a really fun event that gets me out of the kitchen and around lots of people.”

YAFA is a local grass-roots organization focusing on LGBT advocacy by helping the community create safe spaces at home, school and in the media.  Maddie Houghton, YAFA President, explained that with gay rights issues being in the media spotlight, more people—especially younger ones—are coming out, thinking it is safe to do so. Such individuals then, however, encounter conflicts at home and school. The group found out via a survey during the 2011 Pride that one of the biggest needs of the LGBT community in Oakland is an LGBT Center. The group began as a Facebook page, recently started meeting in real life, and this art show is their first major event.