Queer Fest 2014: Art Showcase

Frostburg State University’s LGBT+ student Organization, Spectrum, hosted Queer Fest, a week-long celebration of queer history and culture, from November 3rd to November 6th. They kicked off the week with a poetry slam and ended it with an art showcase.

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the artists showcased in the art show; Brian Rohrbaugh, a sophomore Art major, showed his talents in a piece he created just for this art show. His photography reflected “women who have been hurt” and are going through their “re-birthing stage.” His photographs also show how these women are seeking both revenge and independence. He drew this inspiration from the background of the images and his idea grew from there. The piece is titled “Women Scorned” and features seven black and white images. Rohrbaugh said that “seeing my friends going through things like this” made for more inspiration for this work. I asked Rohrbaugh what inspired him to do photography among other art mediums, and he replied, “there are so many things that are worth taking a second look at, but there’s so many negative things happening that many overlook them.” However, Rohrbaugh takes his talents and makes sure that he can get a second look at what is happening around him.

 The art showcase offered work from about sixteen artists, all with his/her own style of art. Some of the artists include Cheyenne Walker, Mei Li, Amber Alberts, René, and Cassandra Chisholm. Chisholm’s art is featured on her website www.cassandrachisholm.com and is available for purchase.

Frostburg’s Spectrum meets every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. in room 237 of the Ort Library. It is a growing group of students and anyone is welcome, at any time, to join their meetings.

All photos by Miranda Hanson.