The Center on Halsted will host a panel discussion in collaboration with artist, Sam Kirk as part of her current exhibit "Surviving the Times" Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3656 N. Halsted. The discussion is free and open to the public.
Whitney Capps, host and co-creator of The Gala's Art Break podcast, moderates a discussion about LGBTQ youth homelessness and the role the sex trade plays in the LGBTQ community. The panel will discuss these issues from the perspective of professionals that regularly come in contact with child victims and how art can help to drive awareness within our city.
Panelists include Tracy Baim ( publisher and executive editor of Windy City Times and founder, Pride Action Tank ), Lourdes Nieto ( police officer with the Chicago Police Department ), Sam Kirk ( artist and founder of Provoke Culture ), and Whitney Capps ( moderator and co-creator of Art Break Podcast ).
The discussion will be available on The Gala's Soundcloud page.
In her visual survey of growing up queer in America, Kirk exhibits artworks that incite us to challenge our definition of unconditional love and question our values in society.
Developed in a storybook style, the exhibit takes a journey through moments of hope, despair, and reality for LGBTQ youth determined to survive the streets.
Sam Kirk's upbringing largely attributes to the inspiration behind her work. A passionate focus on community and culture, she celebrates the day to day that is found in local neighborhoods and "ordinary" people. Adamant on giving back, she uses her work as a visual platform to incite change. The exhibit will support the Center on Halsted in their continued efforts to help provide LGBTQ youth with programs to help them live a better life. Kirk will donate 20% of her profits from exhibit sales to help the Center.
The Kirk exhibit runs through Feb. 24.