Queer Art Rising

Contributed

Julia Carden caught up with four LGBTQIA+ identifying artists from Erie and discussed their work and inspirations. These artists include (clockwise from top left): Austin Kulyk aka Pissi Gabune, Eric Anthony Berdis, Gaby Apollo Reyes, and Marcy Hall.

Art has long been a powerful force for visibility, resistance, and self-expression throughout queer history. In Erie – a cultural hub for the surrounding region – a number of organizations prioritize LGBTQIA+ inclusion year-round, not just during Pride Month. Through the arts, education, and grassroots efforts, they help foster visibility and belonging across northwestern Pennsylvania. Leading the way are the artists.

Among them is Gaby Apollo Reyes (they/them), founder of Apollo's Divine Odyssey and Melancholy Brand. For Reyes, art began as a form of survival, and has since become a powerful medium for self-discovery and transformation.

"I've been an artist my whole life," Reyes said, reflecting on a childhood steeped in creativity. "I'm fortunate to have a mother who's always supported me through every creative phase I've explored." That early encouragement was cultivated in community spaces like the Neighborhood Art House and the Boys and Girls Club, where Reyes found both belonging and a place to express themself through art.

Artists often emphasize the importance of finding a network to support and inspire their creative process. Painter Marcy Hall (she/her) found just that when she moved to Oil City in 2020 through their Artist Relocation Program. She established her studio in the National Transit Art Studios, where she's become part of a thriving local arts scene.

"Everyone has the right to express themselves; that's what art is all about," Hall said. "It's also a powerful way to connect with others. For me, it's been really important to connect to other artists and feel the energy of people making things happen."

Hall's artistic journey began more than 25 years ago, painting regional landmarks like the Cashier's House, The Pufferbelly Restaurant, and Glass Growers Gallery. Today, she focuses primarily on commissioned work and contributes to public art.

Eric Anthony Berdis (they/them, 40 Under 40 Class of 2024) is a fiber artist and educator whose work is inspired by queer joy and queer history – particularly the stories of lesbian and queer women who often served as caretakers during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. Drawing influence from powerful memorials like The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, Berdis sees art as a poetic way to express ideas "without directly saying it in words."

After leaving Erie for school, Berdis eventually returned and discovered a creative community waiting for them. Ashley Pastore (40 Under 40 Class of 2022), founder and owner of Grounded Print Shop, invited Berdis to use some studio space. Berdis credited Grounded as the place "where they fell back in love with Erie." There, Berdis made friends, collaborated with other artists, and made art.

"There's a big misconception that artists work alone," Berdis said. "But it really takes community. For me, that's an essential part of my practice."

With strong roots in Erie, their work has been exhibited at the Erie Art Museum, the Inner-City Neighborhood Art House, and in galleries across the country, including Philadelphia, New York City, and Richmond.

"It is radical to be authentically you in a room," Berdis said. "We need to have spaces for folks to experiment and try new things, and there are so many wonderful spaces in Erie that allow for art and expression. We need these spaces, and not just in June."

Arts and queer history have long been deeply connected, woven together through acts of resistance, celebration, and self-discovery. For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, creative expression offers a powerful sense of liberation, providing space to explore and affirm identity in ways that words alone often cannot.

Edinboro native and musical theater performer Austin Kulyk (they/them) takes the stage as Pissi Gabune, captivating audiences at Erie Pridefest, Meadville Pride, The Zone, and The Boro Bar. After earning a degree in Theatre Arts from the State University of New York at Fredonia, Kulyk began performing drag in 2022. While their exploration of performance makeup and drag developed later, singing has always been a passion.

"Queer visibility is important in arts and culture because it's one of the few spaces where we can explore ourselves without judgment," Kulyk said. "There will always be judgment in some form, in any walk of life. But art allows for a full expression of who you are without having to explicitly say it." Kulyk hopes to see the local drag scene continue to grow, with more venues embracing diverse styles and nontraditional forms of drag. What started as a creative outlet evolved into a powerful way to connect with others.

"I love being involved, but that's not why I do this. If I just wanted to sing, I could do that in the shower," Kulyk said. "What matters is going out and creating a space where people feel accepted – that's why I do this now. The most important thing to me is that others can feel that sense of safety."

For many artists, the growing momentum in Erie feels tangible. From the inclusive exhibitions at the Erie Art Museum to queer-led pop-ups on display in Ember + Forge, Erie's creative scene continues to be fueled by the queer community.

"Over time, I've seen more collaboration, more mutual support, and a growing commitment to claiming space," Reyes says about Erie. "It feels like a real movement toward equity, one that is focused on making sure everyone, especially those on the margins, has a seat at the table."

Julia Carden can be reached at juliacarden91@gmail.com