A special collaboration showcase and Pride celebration.
Friday June 6, 2025
​Second Story Studio is collaborating with the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University for a special Pride celebration showcase and event. This exhibit will feature a curated show from the Kinsey Institute's archive alongside juried artist submissions in efforts to highlight LGBTQ+ voices. Participating artists will be invited to tour the Kinsey Institute and learn about their pivotal role in human sexuality research and view their historic collection in person. Artists will then create works inspired from their visit and their own personal experience for this collaborative showcase.
A celebratory exhibition highlighting LGBTQ+ history and contemporary expression, bringing together archival treasures from the Kinsey Institute and vibrant works by local artists.
About the show
Intimate Forms reveals the personal drawing collection of Cuban-born artist, Emilio Sanchez. His public facing work, predominantly architecture and geometric built spaces, contrasts in this private collection which focuses more on shape, form, and colorful abstract figures; evoking a sense of joyous connection. This curated show provides a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of life as a queer artist living in the 1930s, who had to conceal their identity in order to protect their art.
Brilliant Hues will showcase selected regional artists to tour the Kinsey Institute's historic art archive, and the works of Emilio Sanchez. Artists will then create works inspired by their visit and their own personal experience to be hung in tandem with Intimate Forms for public viewing and purchase.
This collaborative showcase will shine light on the contrast and comparison of the queer experience, through art expression, then and now.
A celebration
Kicking off Pride month, on Friday June 6th, in an opening event celebration, VIP guests will be invited to an intimate reception to meet the artists and have the first opportunity to purchase work. The party will continue for general guests to join with more refreshments, music, and entertainment. Most importantly guests will bear witness to the importance of expression through art highlighting the contrast and comparison between the queer experience then and now.
Cultural Significance & Community Impact
This collaboration between the Kinsey Institute and Indiana LGBTQ+ artists is timely considering the egregious cut backs in state funding for the institute and the barrage of state legislation targeting our community. It is our obligation to take a stand in defiant protests of joy and celebration and shine light on these topics and tell these stories in a positive way. We know that through exposure we can educate, and this is our grassroots effort towards that.
video outlines & Support opportunites
In efforts to document this project and properly promote, Second Story Studio is seeking funding from community partners. This support will go towards the marketing and promotion, as well as the filming and editing of short docu-style films to be released as promotion and educational materials leading up to and after the exhibit opening. Video documentation expands beyond our regional reach and allows us to connect with a national and even global audience.
Video 1 - Highlight the Kinsey Institute’s art archive and the importance of queer art using selected artists and pride celebration as a through line.
Video 2 - Showcase Emilio Sanchez’s body of work and his story using artists' visit to the archive to showcase the contrast of queer experience then and now.
Video 3 - Highlight current climate in Indiana with defunding institutions and anti-LGBT legislation but protesting through joyous Pride celebration and free expression.
with your support we will celebrate art and love with pride!
