Shapeshifters Exhibit
Visit the Anthony Mascioli Gallery of the Rundel Memorial Library for this special exhibit exploring how we are all shapeshifters. Accompanying this work are exhibits highlighting three archival collections from the Rochester Public Library's Local History & Genealogy Division: the Tischer and Watts Marriage Equality Collection, the Dignity Integrity Collection, and the Tim Mains Papers.
About the art:
Shapeshifters: Bodies Like Water
Playing with Gender…Playing with Power
This work honors the deep connections between the body, land, and queer wisdom. The strength of these connections manifests as the courage to separate from predetermined ideals of gender, to surrender and embark on a sacred journey of self-realization. Shapeshifters: Bodies Like Water is a celebration of this journey.
Why do we focus on gender as the playground for liberation? To play with gender is to play with power, to actively shift the violent dynamics of colonization, white supremacy, and other systems of oppression that rely on seemingly unchangeable gender norms. To honor the wisdom of transgender people is to honor our capacity for change. To integrate trans wisdom into our lives is to intensely experience a resurgence of curiosity, love, and hope.
This exhibit seeks to offer a loving mirror of celebration and inquiry for the parts of ourselves that are curious, that seek to expand the shapeshifter in all of us. For those who were raised in traditional views of gender, who want to better understand this journey, may this book be a safe bridge to cross in the search for knowing. Furthermore, may this book be an offering at the altar of care for all people. Access to care has been long overdue for the queer and trans community. We all deserve access to healthcare, freedom, and expression.
- Date:
- Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Show more dates
- Time:
- 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Library:
- Central Library
- Audience:
- Adults
- Categories:
- Department - Arts & Literature Department - Local History & Genealogy Local History Exhibits LGBTQ+ Pride