ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As we get closer to the St. Pete Pride Festival this weekend, a local art gallery is displaying portraits dedicated to this time of year.
- 50 portraits on display at Mize Gallery
- Artwork represents 50 years since the Stonewall riots
- LINK: Mize Gallery
MIZE Gallery in downtown St. Pete has 50 portraits on display. Each portrait depicts someone who has stood up for equality.
The display is called Icons LGBTQ+ Portraits.
Owner Chad Mize reached out to 50 artists and gave them a list of influential people to choose from. Some artists drew the portraits, others painted them and some photographed them. Each one is different, but Mize says they all represent the same message.
"The way that it's installed was all about equality. Everybody is at the same level and everyone is working on the same size," said Mize. He went on to say, "I think it will leave a mark with people."
Mize wanted to display 50 portraits to represent the 50 years that have passed since the Stonewall riots, which are considered to have started the gay rights movement.
As thousands head to downtown St. Pete to celebrate equality this weekend, Mize hopes people will stop by his gallery to see the artwork.
MIZE Gallery is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.