Up/Rooted exhibition opens in Asheville gallery

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A new art exhibit is opening in Asheville this weekend. The Up/Rooted exhibition showcases the work and experiences of local LGBTQ artists, and marks the end of this year's Southern Equality Studios program.

This year, staffers spoke with about 20 artists to get their input on the role of politics in art and how creativity can help heal trauma.

"It really led us to feel like it's incredibly important to lift up and amplify the creative voices in our community," Al Murray of the Campaign for Southern Equality said. "So how else do we step outside the box, the confines of the ways of thinking that continue to keep us behind, discriminated, oppressed?"

The show was organized and hosted by Campaign for Southern Equality staffers Al Murray and Liz Williams.

The exhibit will run from Aug. 23 until Sept. 3 at REVOLVE Gallery/RAMP studios.

Featured artists include Al Murray, Chelsea Dobert-Kehn, Jékksyn Orilyn Ícaro, Hannah Felperin, Rena Vox, Cortina Jenelle Caldwell, Mars Luren, Joey Brandt, Twin Denim (Lea & Christina Panteliodis), Andi Lou, Ronika McClain, Ryn Arrants & Kay Petrucci, Mac McCusker, Maxx Feist, John Schweitzer, Amanda Trader, Liz Williams and Lando Morgan.