Smithsonian Exhibit "The Way We Worked" and "Wilton Manors Works" Event Arriving at Art Gallery 21 March 2017

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Feb 17, 2017, 09:30 ET

WILTON MANORS, Fla., Feb. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Art Gallery 21, in partnership with the City of Wilton Manors, the Central Area Neighborhood Association of Wilton Manors, The Pride Center at Equality Park, Stonewall Museum & Archive and The Humanity Project, will host the traveling Smithsonian exhibit "The Way We Worked" from Friday, March 24, 2017 through Saturday, May 6, 2017. Through rare videos, fascinating interviews and compelling photos taken over 150 years, viewers will be able to explore how the opportunities provided by work became central to the American dream. Art Gallery 21 is one of only eight locations the exhibit will travel to this year.

In celebration of the exhibit's arrival, Art Gallery 21 will host "Wilton Manors Works," on Saturday, March 18, 2017. "Wilton Manors Works" is an interactive event that aims to increase awareness of the LGBT work experience. An exhibit of pictures submitted by Wilton Manors residents will be unveiled at 7 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. there will be a story slam hosted by Michael McKeever, a Carbonell Award-winning playwright.

"We are extremely honored to have been selected for this traveling Smithsonian exhibit," said Constance Ruppender, Gallery Manager at Art Gallery 21. "This is the exhibit's only stop in South Florida, so we hope everyone will come out to the gallery and learn more about the LGBT work experience throughout American history."

Art Gallery 21 was selected as a host site for the exhibit through a grant provided by Museums on Main Street and The Florida Humanities Council, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution.

"The Way We Worked exhibit has sparked so much excitement here in our Wilton Manors community," says Ruppender. "One of the most intriguing aspects of 'The Way We Worked' exhibit's arrival, is the ability our community members have to participate in the Wilton Manors Works event on March 18, 2017."

To participate in the story slam at the March 18, 2017 event, attendees who are interested in sharing will submit their names at the event and be selected at random. Each participant will then share their story, which shouldn't be longer than seven minutes. People who are interested in judging the story slam will also have their names drawn at random. The story slam winner will receive a prize.

Photographers, of all levels, are invited to submit their photos for "Wilton Manors Works" on or before Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Printed photos may be delivered to City Hall (2020 Wilton Drive) and marked "Attn: Art Gallery 21." Digital photos (minimum size of 6x4 at 300 DPI) may be submitted via email to [email protected]. The name, address and phone number of the person submitting the photo must be included.

"When submitting photos, think about their artistic merit as well as their current or potential social impact," Ruppender said. "Does the photo tell a story? Does it stand on its own?"

"The Way We Worked" exhibit will be available for viewing at Art Gallery 21 (600 NE 21^st Ct., Wilton Manors, FL 33305) Fridays through Sundays (March 24, 2017-May 6, 2017) from noon to 8 p.m. Admission to both the exhibit and the March 18, 2017 event is free.

For more information on "Wilton Manors Works" and "The Way We Worked," visit http://bit.ly/2ko5Ahl, or contact Constance Ruppender at (954)661-4740 or [email protected].

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors, call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou Ernest-Jones, (954) 732-0754 (or)
[email protected]

SOURCE City of Wilton Manors