Major Queer Art Auction Features Peaches, Chappell Roan, and Chani Nicholas

Queer|Art Launches Second Annual Auction Exhibition to Support Emerging LGBTQIA+ Artists

New York City – The nonprofit organization Queer|Art (QA) has initiated its second annual auction exhibition featuring iconic LGBTQIA+ art and memorabilia, aiming to raise funds for its Queer|Art|Mentorship (QAM) program. The exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Fire Island-based fundraiser Doll Invasion, opened at Participant Inc. and Salma Sarriedine galleries on Elizabeth Street on August 24 and will remain on view through August 30. Bidding will be available online until September 3.

The auction exhibition showcases dozens of donated works, including art pieces, wearables, archival media, experiences, and collectibles that represent the queer canon across generations, geographies, disciplines, and styles. Proceeds from the auction will support QAM, which pairs established LGBTQIA+ artists with emerging artists for 10 months of one-on-one artistic and professional development. The program culminates in a week-long retreat and provides a $2,500 stipend to participating artists.

Among the auction items are two original drawings by Tony Award-winning non-binary actor Cole Escola, five signed vinyl editions of Chappell Roan's debut album "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" (2023), and a sculptural self-portrait by Young Joon Kwak. Additionally, the exhibition features a portrait of Amanda Lepore by transfem fashion photographer Lia Clay, a makau (fish hook) from trans Hawaiian drag performer Sasha Colby's entrance look on the 15th season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" (2023), and a Paris is Burning (1990) film poster.

Several artists and cultural figures have contributed experiences to the benefit auction, including tattoo and performance artist Mars Hobrecker, who offered a flash tattoo; astrologer Chani Nicholas, who donated a one-hour reading; New York City Council member Tiffany Cabán, who provided a curated reading list; and musician Peaches, who promised two concert tickets and a meet-and-greet at select tour locations, as well as hard copies of her music and concert merchandise.

Other highlights of the exhibition include a selection of prints from Mexico City's Museo del Arte Transfemenino, artist Nelson Santos's neon tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, and a curated collection of rare, out-of-print publications by Black lesbian feminist Barbara Smith. The organizers described the offerings as spanning a vast spectrum of reverence, ephemerality, and subcultural recognition.

Queer|Art, founded in 2009 by artist and activist Ira Sachs, is dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ artists and preserving queer history. The organization's mission is to foster a community of artists who reflect and respond to the diversity of queer experience. Through its programs and initiatives, Queer|Art seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable art world.