OkEq’s First Thursday features the works of Ted Holland

Tulsa - The May Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) First Thursday exhibit showcases the photography works of Ted Holland.

A Tulsa Native, Ted Holland earned his BS from The University of Tulsa’s Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences. He first studied under the tutelage of M. Teresa Valero, who introduced him to the world of art and gave him a classical education in photography.

His images strive to convey his affinity for artists and LGBT people who characterize “P-town” - Provincetown, Massachusetts; an idyllic town brimming with natural beauty and patriotism.

For three years, Ted has been on a quest to capture the sense that permeates the little town at the tip of Cape Cod: P-town. His photographs are a corollary that works to visually distill the essence of Provincetown and of “Bear Week” - a time when that particular gay subculture is in its element. This story is told entirely through digital imagery - a big transition from his beloved Nikon and traditional film processing.

Through his photographs, Ted tries to illustrate what P-town means him and his “Bear Tribesmen.” His story is told through photographs that show the openness and endless possibility of the beach, the ocean, the joyous freedom of flags flying in the wind, the beauty of garden flowers and especially seeing gay people and their relationships out in the maritime air, not just tolerated, but accepted, welcomed, and even celebrated.

His earlier achievements include winning a Gussman Award in the 31st Annual Gussman Juried Student Exhibition at the University of Tulsa; his work was also shown in the 32nd Annual Gussman Exhibition, and in the Outart Juried Art Show at the Individual Artists of Oklahoma gallery in Oklahoma City. Ted currently resides in his hometown of Oologah, Oklahoma, and works in Tulsa.

The show begins with a reception on Thursday, May 1from 6-9pmat the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. There will be a door prize drawn of the artist’s work; the show continues throughout the month.

Founded by a dedicated group of volunteers in 1980, Oklahomans for Equality/OkEq is Oklahoma’s oldest gay rights organization. From testing for HIV/AIDS and hosting the annual Tulsa Pride and Diversity Celebration to operating the Equality Center and documenting the Tulsa LGBT community’s rich history, OkEq works for social justice and full inclusion for Oklahoma’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens and their allies. For more information, see www.okeq.org

The Gayly – April 27, 2014 @ 1:05pm