See Me: Art created by and for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Wisconsin
Exhibition Dates: December 8, 2022 – February 16, 2023
Reception: Thurs, Feb. 16, 2023 from 5:30-7:30pm. Feat. keynote speaker Rae Senarighi
also featuring artwork by Sauk Prairie Middle School, High School, and A.P. High School students
CALL FOR ART:
River Arts Inc (RAI), is seeking artwork focused on—and created by—members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Wisconsin for an upcoming visual art exhibition. Over the years, queer art has had a long and tangled history of censorship. In this exhibition, we hear the voices of the LGBTQ+ artists in our community and celebrate their achievements in the visual arts.
Submissions:
All submitted artwork should include artwork focused on, and/or created by, members of the Wisconsin LGBTQ+ community as the primary focus. Works must be original. All styles, media, and techniques accepted. FREE TO APPLY (via google form)
Deadline to Apply: October 15, 2022 by 4pm
Additional submission information:
2D and 3D works are accepted for this show: All 2D work must be ready to hang via wire hangers. Please no sawtooths or clip hangers. 3D work must be exhibition ready and not made of decaying organic material. Please be prepared to provide framed and unframed dimensions as applicable.
In-Person Artwork Delivery:
Artworks can be delivered in person or shipped. Works delivered in person should be dropped off on Monday, December 5 from 5-8pm, or other days/times by appointment.
Shipping:
Full packaging and shipping requirements will be sent to accepted artists. No packing peanuts! All shipments must include a prepaid UPS or Fed Ex return label and be shipped in a container suitable for re-use for return shipping. Artist will be responsible for cost of shipping and insurance to and from venue. Artwork will be insured by River Arts Inc. during the duration of the exhibit.
Important dates:
- Deadline to apply: October 15, 2022 by 4pm
- Notifications sent: October 29, 2022 by 4pm
- Artwork drop-off (in person): December 5, 2022 from 5-8pm or by appointment.
- Shipping: Artworks must arrive between Nov 29-Dec 3, 2022
- Exhibit dates: December 8, 2022 – February 16, 2023
- Closing reception: Thurs, Feb. 16, 2023 from 5:30-7:30pm. Feat. keynote speaker Rae Senarighi
- Artwork pick-up: At the end of the closing reception on Feb 16 or by appt.
Sale of Works:
Artworks will be listed for sale at artist-provided retail prices. Purchased works may not be removed until the close of the exhibition. Artists retain 65% of sale with 35% retained by RAI. NFS work is allowed.

About the Keynote Speaker, Rae Senarighi:
Rae Senarighi is your average non-binary cancer survivor inspiring self-compassion, activism and gender resilience via unapologetic portraiture of vibrant transgender and non-binary power and spreading joyful presentations and meditations worldwide.
Rae is a champion of storytelling through art, as a fine artist, designer and muralist, an activist, cancer survivor and pursuing accurate and celebratory representation of the trans community. Rae currently resides in Madison, WI, but he makes a lasting impact throughout the world. His art can be seen internationally and is featured in a wide range of outlets from Art Voices magazine to DNA India.
Rae’s dream is to celebrate accurate representation of trans and nonbinary people through painted portraiture worldwide. His mission of self-acceptance and love shows in his work through vibrant portraits reflecting celebration and beauty. With vivid and bold colors these portraits radiate the brilliance of the individuals and celebrate accepting and loving one’s self. Rae’s trust in himself is vital to him in his journey of understanding and accepting his own identity, reminding all of us to not only love ourselves, but to celebrate and lift up one’s community.
Netflix and GLAAD invited Rae to celebrate authentic, accurate portrayals of trans characters in media through a series of paintings. He’s also partnered with the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference and Washington Healthcare for All to support healthcare for the transgender community.
Important Gallery information:
-The River Arts Center Gallery is located at 105 9th St, Prairie du Sac, WI (adjacent to Sauk Prairie High School). Enter through doors E-3, the Garden Entrance, which is located down a sidewalk to the right of the River Arts Center main doors.
–Hours: 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and weekends during special events. Closed when Sauk Prairie Schools are closed. Call 608-643-5215 to confirm hours before your visit.
–Accessibility: Gallery is wheelchair accessible, including all doorways and restrooms
–Tours: This exhibit is self-guided. Free docent-led tours are available by appointment for educational groups, non-profit organizations, and groups of 10 or more. Email info@riverartsinc.org or call 608-643-5215 to schedule a tour for your group. *Must have at least 24 hours notice, subject to gallery and staff availability.