Art Exhibit in Columbia Attempts to Combat Hate

Recent tragic mass shootings have pushed the topic of hate to the forefront of our conversations. Data  indicate that in the past few years, there has been a discernible rise in hate crimes and hate bias incidents throughout the U.S. against various minority populations including those perpetrated against the LGBTQ community.

For five years, a project called Erase Hate Through Art has attempted to bring awareness to hate in general but particularly towards those actions directed against the LGBTQ community through an art exhibition in Columbia.

The sixth annual Erase Hate Through Art (EHTA) exhibition will take place on Sunday, October 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Columbia Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD 21045. Admission is Free.

According to the event’s planners, “The exhibition will feature the artworks of artists exploring various themes associated with bullying and hate crimes as a means of prevention. EHTA was born of a desire to raise awareness of hate crimes and bullying against the LGBTQ community. Today the exhibition explores the impact of these crimes against all segments of society.

“Contributing artists work in all mediums to study the crimes and the impact they have on the victims and their loved ones. Net proceeds of sales are donated to The Matthew Shepard Erase Hate Campaign.”

I had reviewed the debut exhibit five years ago for the Washington Blade.  At that exhibit, there were 10 artists displaying multiple pieces that represent a wide swath of art depicting for the most part images of victims of hate and bullying. The works included multi-media art, sculpture, photography, stained glass and paintings.  

For further information, you may find Erase Hate Through Art on Facebook.