Pride in Interactive Art

Stuff We Love

By Lynda Wheatley | June 4, 2022

Up North Pride is inviting folks around the region to think outside the box again. Following the success of last year’s catharsis-themed outdoor art installations, the LGBTQ+ organization unveiled three new interactive art exhibits running June 1-30, all underscoring the ’22 theme, Unconditional. Find the first, by artist Roger Amundsen, in front of The Dennos Museum (Aspen Lot), where everyone can “perform the radical act of stopping and looking at yourself in the mirror—to love what you see unconditionally.” Go during the family-friendly Pride CARNIVAL 11am to 2pm June 11, and you can also whizz down a super slide, ascend a climbing wall, nosh on goodies from food vendors, enjoy live music, and explore the Dennos Museum, free of charge. The second installation, by Grand Rapids muralist Maddison Chaffer, invites you to Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, where the distillery also hosts the Drag Bingo event 7pm–9pm June 17, featuring special guests The Real Dragwives of Northern Michigan. Finally, Short’s Brewing Co. in Elk Rapids hosts the third installation, by Bellaire artist Brooke Ruble, plus an evening of Queer Trivia 7pm–9pm June 24. Learn more: upnorthpride.com

Photo: One of 2021’s Catharsis-themed installations, at Iron Fish Distillery.