banner project
2023
This project was lead by Nic Schmittou, Arden Carlson, and the guidance of many - in response to discriminatory legislation in Arkansas. The fabrication of the banners was carried out by artists and organizers working in the Northwest Arkansas region.
Statement
“These banners amplify moments of loving and living experienced in the daily lives of so many of us (both within and outside the LGTBQ+ community). Through hand-stitched lettering made from fabric scraps of past-mended clothing and creative projects, pieces of ourselves are placed in the present, as to remain separate from the discrimination that aims to dissolve us.
The statements depicted in these pieces resemble some of the people within our communities. The people that love poetry & song, bring joy to our lives, lead and teach, and use their voice to empower expression within others. The statements are free from the over-sexualized, demonized, and weaponized language used against the queer / gender-non-conforming community in the definitions currently provided by Arkansas legislators.
This is radical tenderness.”
Banners read:
“GENDER FLUID COUPLE RECITING POETRY IN THE PARK”
“NON-BINARY BUTCH SINGING WITH THE CHURCH CHOIR”
“DRAG QUEEN SERVING YOU BRUNCH”
“PERSONA ANDRÓGINA ENSEÑANDO UNA CLASE DE BAILE”
“TRANS BOY SINGS JOLENE AT KARAOKE”
“TRANS MODELS WALKING THE RUNWAY” (commission)
“MODELOS TRANS DESFILANDO POR LA PASARELA” (commission)
Several of the statements above are written in-part or fully from Raquelle Rivas , Intransitive , and Interform.
Participating venues
La Nidada, Springdale AR
The Medium, Springdale AR
Sleet City, Fayetteville AR
Pink House Alchemy, Fayetteville AR
Presley Paige, Fayetteville AR
( including pop up performance with artists Abby Howard & Brody Parrish Craig )
Two Friends Books, Bentonville AR
Interform, Springdale AR
Likewise, Fayetteville AR
Press
https://www.fayettevilleflyer.com/2023/02/02/banner-installation-addresses-arkansas-anti-drag-show-bill/
https://arktimes.com/rock-candy/2023/01/27/radical-tenderness-fayetteville-artists-organize-installation-against-sb43