Small Works For Big Change! SRLP’s 5th Annual Benefit Art Sale (2010)

Small Works for Big Change, the 5th annual benefit supporting the Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP), will be held onFebruary 18, 2010, at Participant Gallery in New York. This vibrant annual celebration reflects the progressive spirit of SRLP, as well as the experimental energy of some of New York’s most innovative established and emerging contemporary artists. 100% of the event’s proceeds will benefit SRLP’s advocacy work for transgender individuals.

The event is free to the public, and will including a silent auction with affordable price points beginning at $10, featuring photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, textile pieces and mixed-media installations. With works by over 65 artists, highlights from this year’s event will include:
•    Nicole Eisenman’s Worst Case Scenario (2009)
•    Tony Feher’s Untitled (2009)
•    K8 Hardy’s  Position Series #39 (2009)
•    Matt Keegan’s A True Story (2009)
•    Emily Roysdon’s Ecstatic Resistance (schema) (2009)
•    Amy Sillman’s Untitled (2008)

Hosted by performance artist Tara Mateik, the event will also include a performance by Dynasty Handbag, films by Chitra Ganesh and Rashaad Newsome, and music from DJ’s Tikka Masala (of Brooklyn’s That’s My Jam), and Kingdom.

“Small Works for Big Change is more than a fundraiser,” said Emily Nepon, Grassroots Fundraising Coordinator for SRLP. “This event celebrates our community’s radical creativity, diversity, and courage. Every year, SRLP is energized and inspired by an amazing group of artists and friends who make this event possible.”

SRLP is a leading national force for legal and social advocacy on behalf of transgender communities. SRLP provides free legal services for low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. Since its inception in 2002, SRLP has served more than 1,000 clients who are otherwise unable to access basic services such as shelter, health care and education due to gender discrimination.

EVENT DETAILS:

About SRLP 
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. SRLP is a collective organization founded on the understanding that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social and economic justice. Therefore, we seek to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for our communities. We believe that in order to create meaningful political participation and leadership, we must have access to basic means of survival and safety from violence.

About Participant Gallery
The mission of PARTICIPANT INC is to serve artists through in-depth consideration, presentation, and the publishing of critical writing, and to introduce this work into public contexts through exhibitions, screenings, performances and educational programs.

Our mission builds upon alternative space methodologies, particularly a commitment to interdisciplinary, intergenerational exhibition making, and an insistence on placing together,  in one space, work in various formats—encouraging the coexistence of visual, media, literary and performing arts. The programming priorities of PARTICIPANT INC reflect the premise that artists produce significant work through a deep relationship with an organization whose focus is its committed collaborations with them.