Hey guys I have two of my sculptures published in the book Treasures of Gay Art, a publishing of The Leslie Lohman Gay Art Foundation. The new book, as the unparalleled collection of conspicuously gay art debuts in print for the first time. Designed and printed in Italy, the publication was guided by renowned curator Peter Weiermair exclusively for The Foundation. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, water colours, photographs and prints from Jean Cocteau to Andy Warhol.

In conjunction with the much-anticipated publication of Treasures of Gay Art from the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation we are proud to present an exhibition of many of the artworks that appear in the book.

Copies of the book, Treasures of Gay Art from the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation, will also be available for purchase.
http://www.leslielohman.org/

By Alex Bacon

With the Foundation's history of nearly twenty years in the service of LGBT art and artists, the coming of the new book Treasures of Gay Art from the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation's Permaent Collection has been long overdue. Eminent museum director, curator, art writer and publisher Peter Weiermair has undertaken the task of selecting some of the best works in the Foundation's collection for inclusion in this book which will chart, in stunning reproductions, the legacy of LGBT artists which the founders have been collecting for over fifty years. The book is framed by an introduction by founders Fritz Lohman and Charles Leslie, and three essays: one by Peter Weiermair; another by noted art historian James Saslow on the current and potential impact of Leslie/Lohman's work on both the LGBT and straight communities; and another by Allen Ellenzweig on photography in LLGAF's collection. This makes the book an excellent addition to the Foundation's ever growing list of publications.

What is most evident from looking at the works included, and the essays which accompany them, is that a wealth of art has been created by LGBT artists in the modern era. Of course, the real value of an institution like the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation is that, without it, much of this excellent work would have been destroyed by hostile elements. In their introduction, Charles and Fritz tell of how one of the primary catalysts for the creation of the Foundation was to try to ensure that this kind of art- often denigrated as "gay" and "erotic" and thus constantly in peril of destruction and erasure-had a place where it was preserved and given the recognition it deserved in the history of art.

James Saslow, in his moving essay, expands on this theme by discussing the context and legacy of the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation in American society. Using a narrative of his family's, and his own, experiences with sexuality and visual culture since the late 19th century, Saslow reveals the political importance of works by queer artists, with openly queer themes, in shaping the beliefs of mainstream America about the role and treatment of queer men and women in our society. Saslow makes a powerful argument that what might really be the most important job of Leslie/Lohman, and by extension this book, is the documentation for a new generation of queer children and their straight peers, friends and family of the existence, viability and importance of LGBT artists and their art.
Alex Bacon is a senior in the Art History department at MSU, Ann Arbor. As an intern at LLGAF over the summer of 2006 he conducted research for Treasures of Gay Art from the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation's Permanent Collection.

To reserve your copy at reduced prices call
212-431-2609 or email:admin@leslielohman.org
http://www.leslielohman.org/index.html

MF Gallery, NYC's Underground Pop Art Gallery is opening a location In Genova Italy!

Over 20 International Artists will be showing in this Inaugural exhibit on Jan 10, 2009

The original MF Gallery opened it's doors in June 2003 on New York City's Lower East Side. It quickly became a meeting point, where all kinds of misfit artists, hipsters, punks and art collectors could enjoy new art, never knowing when to expect appearances by Zombies, Monsters or Mega-Sized Robots playing Death Metal!

MF Gallery's Martina and Frank Russo wanted to open a gallery showing what they loved: illustration based art, inspired by Tattoos, Comics, Horror and Toys; (Now known as "pop surrealism" or "lowbrow art") something New York City was lacking at the time. Their goal had always been to show work by more well-known names in the genre, alongside the best newcomers from around the world, while making the art accessible and affordable to people of all kinds.

In January 2009, exactly five and a half years after the first MF Gallery opening, Martina and Frank are bringing the art to Italy… They feel that Genova is ready for something new- this will be the next city to be taken over by The MF Art Movement!

For this special inaugural show, they will be introducing many of the American artists they love, and also bringing together artists from Genova, around Italy and other parts of Europe. Over 20 international artists will show their work in Genova, (many of them for the first time!) in this historic MF Gallery event.

Please join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday January 10th, 2009 from 7 to 11pm at MF Gallery Genova: Vico Dietro Il Coro Della Maddalena 26a Genova, Italy 16122. Many of the artists will be present. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free and open to the public of all ages.

For high resolutiontion photos, to set up interviews, for more information or directions, please contact Martina or Frank. Email: info@MFgallery.net NY phone: 917-446-8681 GE Phone: 347-757-7178

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Martina Secondo Russo (Italy/U.S.A.) was born in Genoa, Italy but has lived in New York City for most of her life. She paints both on canvas, and on plywood cut into the shapes of limbs and full human bodies. Her work is inspired by: horror, tattoos, toys, renaissance art, pin-up art, and the juxtaposition of beauty with the grotesque.

Frank Russo (U.S.A.) is a Brooklyn Artist who has been drawing comic books since the age of nine. His art fuses a life-long love for trash culture and fast music with a wide variety of styles and media such as comics, paintings, toys, props and costumes.

Elizabeth McGrath (U.S.A.) is one of her generation's more unique and prolific artists. Based in Los Angeles, she creates in a number of mediums and materials with undeniable artistry and immagination. She is also the frontwoman of the band Miss Derringer, who performed in Genova in 2006.

Dave Brockie (U.S.A.) is the frontman and founder of the notorious theatrical heavy metal band, GWAR. For over 25 years, he has been creating artwork in various mediums; including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, costumes and performance art. In 2004, MF Gallery held a retrospective of his life's work.

Lisa Petrucci (U.S.A.) is best known for painting on souvenir wooden plaques... Each slab of wood is lovingly painted with the things she enjoys most such as cute pinups, sexploitation beauties and kitch imagagery; and celebrate sexuality, femininity and all that is cute.

Ed Repka (U.S.A.) is the undisputed king of Thrash Metal Art. He is best known for creating Megadeth's legendary character, "Vic Rattlehead" in the 1980's, and for his work with numerous other Thrash bands since then. He descibes himself as a "connosieur of the grotesque, specializing in menacing reminders of the impending apocalypse".

Angie Mason (U.S.A.) creates in her paintings a vibrant visual playground where her melancholy menagerie of characters and worlds exist. Her work is a funny, whimsical, dark and tragic view at the wonderful mess of life.

Mark Riddick (U.S.A.) has been illustrating for the extreme heavy metal music scene since 1991. He has had several books of his art published, and has shown at galleries around the world.

Mary Doyle (U.S.A.) uses toys and imagery associated with childhood to elicit an immediate emotional reaction. She uses clowns to express the complexities of human interaction. Her artwork expresses repressed emotions by recalling the emotional intensity of childhood while revealing the ugliness beneath adult facades.

Fernando Carpaneda (Brazil/U.S.A.) is an artist born in Brasília, Brazil. He works with clay sculptures. His main theme is always the human being. Fernando makes portraits of rent boys, punks, junkies, thieves and outcasts. He believes that the artist himself is a piece of art.

Aya Kakeda (Japan/U.S.A.) was born and raised in Tokyo Japan. She now works and lives in Brooklyn, New York. When she doesn't indulge in her obsessions she paints, draws, prints and emboiders, creating her own whimsical narratives.

Drew Maillard (U.S.A.) uses layers of chicken scratch cross-hatching over watercolor to make formal almost static compositions, evoking the oppressive itchiness of a strait jacket. He combines iconic and absurd images to create ironic and satirical compositions.

Jaz Harold (U.S.A.) is a New York based illustrator and gallery artist whose work is a combination of the beautiful and the macabre, often with a twist of humor or sarcasm.

Alonso Estrada / The Death Head (Mexico/U.S.A.) grew up in Mexico and found inspiration for his artwork from the Day of the Dead holiday traditions, also embracing the Punk Rock movement's attitude. He Expresses these interests in his art, while interpreting the brutal, primal and animalistic side of the human form.

Jenny Harada (U.S.A.) likes taking something cute and colorful and turning it into something completely disturbing. She creates all sorts of furry creatures out of shag fabric, both as 3-D plushes and as fabric "paintings"

Nicoz Balboa (France/Italy) was born in Rome. She now resides in La Rochelle, France, where she is the founder and director of the True Hate Gallery. Her comics and illustrations have appeared in various magazines and publications. She often collaborates with rock bands on album art and posters.

Cecilia Granata (Italy) was born in Verona, Italy, grew up in Milan, and has lived and worked in New York City. Her work is influenced by music, philosophy, horror movies, romantic literature, expressionism, comics, cartoons and vegan treats.

Ciou (France/Belgium) comes from Toulouse, the pink city of south of France, and now spends her time between Paris and Bruxelles. Her artwork is cute and scary, a mixed between wonderland and nightmare. She is interested in primitive art, religious art, japanese culture, dolls, pin ups, cemeterys, carnivals and freaks.

Macchiavello (Italy) is a Genovese Cartoonist and Animator with a unique and unmistakable style. After studying at the Scuola del Fumetto in Chiavari, and the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti in Genova, he has been awarded numerous prizes for his work, and has achieved international notoriety for his Ceres Beer spots.

Riot Queer (Italy) is an Italian queer underground painter. His work is influenced by Mexican folk art, American independent comics, American 50's tattoo, Horror Punk, fetishism and splatter movies. He is the founder of the Italian "Punk Surrealism" group.

Luca Crema (Italy) is a painter, writer, poet and artist. HIs life runs on a wave of aesthetics, and nothing can distance him from the manic precision with which he interprets and illustrates his dreams.

Massimo Gurnari (Italy) creates artwork by melding his street art experience with themes from Art History. All his work is aimed to create a big box of memorabilia where present and past can co-exists.

Mattia Paco Rizzi / Linguamara (Italy) presents a postmodern vision of man and his relationship with nature and the world around him. He lives, studies and works in Genova, Italy.

Morg (Italy) is an Italian female painter and tattoo artist living and working in Genova. Her inspiration comes from nature, anatomy, old prints, graphic art, horror and surrealism.

I will be showing my "Charlie,the Gay Dolls" in the Bridge Art Fair during Art Basel with "The Barbara Ann Levy Gallery" Please drop by our room if your down at the fairs.

The Bridge Art Fair-Wynwood, Miami, Florida
BOOTH 8-Wynwood

The Barbara Ann Levy Gallery has been invited to be a participant in The Bridge Art Fair in the Wynwood section of Miami from December 2-8th, 2008.

BRIDGE MIAMI-WYNWOOD
Building on two highly successful years in Miami Beach, Bridge is pleased to announce our inaugural Bridge Miami Wynwood, offering collectors, art professionals and visitors a boutique-style booth fair easily accessible in the heart of Midtown Miami. Taking place concurrently with Bridge Miami Beach, Bridge Miami Wynwood marks a significant expansion of Bridge's presence at the global art fair market that converges in Miami every December.

Bridge Miami Wynwood will feature the best in international emerging art, presented in a modular, museum-grade exhibition space, built on a 60,000 square foot development in Miami Midtown at NE 1st Avenue and NW 34th Street, immediately adjacent to Art Miami, Photo Miami and AIPAD, and centrally located between Scope, Pulse and Aqua. In addition to a spectacular booth fair, Bridge Miami Wynwood will also showcase an outdoor sculpture project. Located just off the Julia Tuttle Causeway, Bridge Wynwood will greet visitors crossing the bridge from South Beach at the entryway to Midtown Miami's art fair circuit and through to the Design District.

The following artists will exhibit their work in The Barbara Ann Levy Gallery BOOTH 8:

Fernando Carpaneda,Ron Amato, Aileen Boyce, Mac Chambers, Koushal Choudry, Eric Davis, Giovanni di Mola, Dan Evans, John Leung, Alejandro Lorenzo, Charles McGill, Diana Milia, Adrian Milton, Eric Rhein, Albert Schweitzer, Jason Seder, Mark Soppeland, James Teschner, George Towne, Virginia Trembles and Ande Whyland.

Bridge Art Fair: http://www.bridgeartfair.com/eblasts/miami/BAFmiamiblast.html

WHAT: MF Gallery's Sixth Annual Halloween Art Show
WHERE: ITM Lounge 463 West Broadway New York, NY 10012
WHEN: Opening Party, Saturday September 20th 7-10 PM. Show runs Sept
20th–Nov 2nd

It's almost that time of year again… Time for MF Gallery's Sixth
Annual Halloween Art Show. This year, we are doing it in SoHo!

As many already know, June 2008 marked the closing of MF Gallery's Rivington Street location. As we prepare for our grand reopening in Gowanus, Brooklyn, MF Gallery is helping to launch a brand new art space: ITM Lounge, upstairs at I Tre Merli on West Broadway in SoHo.

SoHo has long been a significant neighborhood for New York City's Art Community. I Tre Merli Restaurant opened in the mid-1980's when the SoHo scene was thriving. Many "Art Stars" of the time, such as Andy Warhol, Peter Max, Keith Haring, and others were regulars at the bar.

With The Sixth Annual Halloween Art Show, MF Gallery will bring back a bit of the Underground Art flavor that the neighborhood has lately traded in for designer boutiques and chain stores.

This year's Halloween Art Show will include artists such as: Martina & Frank Russo Elmer Presslee, Chad Savage, Nicoz Balboa, Kevin Klemm, Joe Simko, Drew & Greg Maillard, Fernando Carpaneda, Moses Jaen, Death Head, Alex
Macchiavelli, Mike Annechiarico, James Wrona, Inky Dreadfuls, Ciou, & Many More!

The Opening Party, on Saturday September 20, 2008 will be a Rock N Roll Bash! Horror Movies will be projected on a giant screen, DJ Justin will play a Death Metal Soundtrack, drinks and refreshments will be served, and costumes are greatly encouraged: anyone who comes in a Halloween Costume will get a complementary drink! Admission is free and open to all ages, no RSVP required.

MF Gallery's Sixth Annual Halloween Art Show is at ITM Lounge: 463 West Broadway between Houston and Prince Streets. There are many subways close by: the N/R to Prince, the 6 to Spring, the C/E to Spring or the 1/9 to Houston. Gallery viewing hours are everyday from 12 noon to 12 midnight. To set up a guided visit, for additional information, or to request high resolution images, contact Martina or Frank at (917)446-8681 or info@MFgallery.net