Thames Art Gallery in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, is organizing an exhibition titled "Queer Portraits" that celebrates the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The gallery is now accepting submissions from artists, with entries required to show a meaningful connection to Chatham-Kent, be created from the perspective of or in allyship with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and portray a specific person or their defining characteristics. A jury will review submissions, which are due by 4 p.m. on May 29, with up to two pieces per artist accepted across various media.
This exhibition matters because it provides a platform for local artists to express and celebrate queer identity within a specific regional context, fostering community visibility and inclusion. By centering the 2SLGBTQIA+ community of Chatham-Kent, the show highlights the importance of representation in smaller communities and encourages dialogue around identity and belonging through visual art.