Visible. Vital. Unignorable: Selected Works by 36 LGBTQ+ Michigan Artists 

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Visible. Vital. Unignorable. Curatorial Statement

This exhibit celebrates the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, non-binary, and two-spirit artists of Michigan. The artwork selected for this exhibit shares narratives rooted in the lived experience of the artists. At a time when LGBTQ+ lives and rights are being threatened, this exhibit amplifies, honors, and holds space for these stories. The artists speak on their own terms. Speaking out confers visibility. Visibility confers power. Collective visibility confers safety. While individuals may feel vulnerable, gathering in community can transform being seen into protection, affirmation, and strength. The works and events in this show are acts of collective defiance and love. They are testaments to the resilience, complexity, and brilliance of LGBTQ+ experience. This art reflects a community that refuses to hide, insisting instead on joy, beauty, and truth. This is not just an exhibition—it is a declaration: We are still here. We are not going anywhere. We will not disappear.

Exhibition Location

• One Oh Six Gallery, 106 S Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Public Events

• Friday, 6/5 6-9pm: Opening Reception as part of First Friday Art Walk

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• Friday, 6/5 6-7pm: Artist Talk with Thiago Porraz and Dee Rolffs

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• Friday, 6/5 7:30-8:30pm: Artist Talk with Tia Wierenga and Dee Rolffs

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• Saturday, 6/6 1-3:30pm: Our Hands, Our Stories: LGBTQ+ Cyanotype Workshop with Caroline Bell

Artist Caroline Bell will host a workshop for the LGBTQ+ community to learn about cyanotypes and print their hands and articles of interest. In the current political climate, which actively works to erase the rights and existence of LGBTQ+ individuals, this workshop serves as an act of documenting LGBTQ+ existence as resistance. Participants will also be invited to write a response to the prompt: "In a world that tells us to disappear, our presence is radical. Select an article of interest that represents your joy, your defiance, or your identity. Create a blueprint of your hand with selected object(s) to declare: 'I am here, I exist, and I resist.'" Handprints and answers will be hung up in the space near Bell's artwork. 

*Note: Participants do not have to bring an object or print with one if not desired. 

RSVP here to participate: https://tinyurl.com/our-hands

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• Sunday, 6/14 1:30–3:30pm: Queer Voices: Mini Zine and Collage Workshop with Sarah Lynn B.

Description: Learn how to make a mini zine while connecting with the queer community! The workshop will begin with a follow-along demonstration of creating a mini-zine. Participants will have time to create their own zine and contribute to a community zine to be displayed as part of Visible. Vital. Unignorable. The event will close with an optional show-and-tell to share your zine and voice with the group. 

RSVP here to participate: https://tinyurl.com/mini-zine

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• Thursday 6/18 6-9pm: Poetry Night Crockpot Poetry- Pride-teenth (Pride+ Juneteenth Theme)

Description: Join us for an evening of poetry and community at 106 Gallery, hosted by Carolyn Ferrari. This month’s theme is Pride-Teenth. On the third Thursday of each month, Crockpot Poetry brings together seasoned and emerging poets for a night of spoken word, connection, and creative expression in an intimate setting.

Whether you want to share your work or simply listen, enjoy an inspiring evening filled with heartfelt performances, thoughtful conversation, and community care. Social time begins at 6 PM, poetry starts at 6:30 PM, followed by a crockpot and potluck meal at 7:30 PM, with a final hour of poetry at 8 PM.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HAVCnZcn1/
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• Saturday, 6/27 1–2:30pm: Visible. Vital. Unignorable Panel Discussion 

Description: Join curators and exhibiting artists for a community conversation exploring the themes, stories, and lived experiences behind Visible. Vital. Unignorable: Selected Works by LGBTQ+ Michigan Artists. Through dialogue, reflection, and audience engagement, the panel will examine visibility, resistance, joy, and the power of queer art as collective witness and declaration.

Featuring artists and curators: Caroline Bell, Kate Kyman, Tia Wierenga

Facilitated by Dee Rolffs
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•Saturday, 6/27 2-5pm: Closing Reception

Questions: contact annamarie here.

Interested in helping make this all happen? Sign up to volunteer here.

Curatorial Team

  • Annamarie Buller – Independent curator, gallerist, and community organizer

  • Thiago Porraz – Artist and muralist

  • Tia Wierenga – Artist and preparator at the Grand Valley State University Art Museum

  • Katrina Daniels – Creative professional and program specialist at the Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology

Jurors

Sara Pulver
Sara is the founder of Dear Ollie, a Lansing-based stationery shop, and a muralist who creates large-scale work for commercial and residential spaces, including short-term rentals. She enjoys bringing creativity to unexpected places and collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life.

Zane Kemper
Zane is a Chicago-based arts professional and artist. He holds a BA in Arts & Humanities and an MA in Arts & Cultural Management and Museum Studies from Michigan State University. He previously worked as an Exhibition Producer at the Broad Art Museum and as a Gallery Assistant at Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center. He currently serves as a Preparator at Corbett vs. Dempsey in Chicago. His artistic practice explores emotion and identity through collage and mixed media.

Lorelei d’Andriole
Lorelei d’Andriole (she/her) is an artist, educator, and writer whose work explores the intersections of intermedia and transgender studies. She earned her BFA in New Media from the University of Central Oklahoma and her MA and MFA from the University of Iowa’s Intermedia program. Her work has been shown nationally at universities, galleries, festivals, and DIY spaces.