'Exhibit Opening @ The Cherry Gallery - 'Genderqueer Pioneers: The Lavender Hill Legacy' 


Opening reception Fri Aug 4 from 5-7pm.

In 1973, a brave group of big city homosexuals left the disparaging metropolis and bought a piece of land together out in Danby. They built shelters, they planted gardens, and they partied. A lot. They called themselves the Lavender Hill Collective.

So much has changed since 1973. What used to be unspoken – and even censured! – about gender identity is now part of everyday vocabulary and culture. Reverence for the earth and home-grown food is as mainstream as “supermarkets” and more idealized than “convenience.” Communities of makers, maker spaces, and other artist groups sustain and unite us as politics urges us to split apart.

With this exhibition, we celebrate the Lavender Hill collective as pioneering genderqueer artists. Along with art made by members of the collective, we are also showing some contemporary pieces that channel the Lavender Hill legacy. After the commune itself ended, their openness to love and adventure, land and community endures.

This exhibition is co-presented by The Cherry Arts, History Center in Tompkins County and curated by Judy Swann and Laurence Clarkberg. It is part of the Seeing Ithaca, for which 10 local galleries are exhibiting works showcasing interpretations of Ithaca.

The Cherry Gallery, 130 Cherry St, Ithaca NY

On display weekends 1-5pm August 4th-September 17th.