May 1 – June 14
TERRACE GALLERY AT ORLANDO CITY HALL
400 S ORANGE AVE. • ORLANDO, FL
The 49 Portraits Project was born out of a need to respond in a meaningful, respectful and loving way to the tragic events at the LGBTQ Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016. The project was started by Georgia art professor Mia Merlin, who teaches at Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia. She was inspired by a similar portrait project for the families of the nine victims of the June 2015 shootings at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
The 49 Portraits Project is made up of a group of 49 artists across the country who created portraits to honor the innocent Pulse nightclub victims and to give as gifts to their families.
Merlin states: “As an artist, the ability to make a portrait for someone is one of the most clear and powerful ways I have to give. I knew that other artists would feel the same way.” She continues, “The portraits allow us to see each life still shine, process loss, and maybe over time to start to heal. But the portraits also allow for the living to connect with each other here and now. This connection has happened between the artists within the project and between the artists and the families. With the help of this exhibit, we connect with the community and the world. These portraits transcend politics and strip away everything but what is essential. Each of us is so grateful to be able to make this offering, and to have it received.”
All 49 portraits will be on view at Orlando City Hall’s Terrace Gallery from May 1 – June 14. For more information please visit www.49portraits.com .
49 Portraits Opening Reception
Please join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Commissioner Patty Sheehan, District 4, at the Opening Reception of 49 Portraits.
Saturday, June 3
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Rotunda at Orlando City Hall
Catered by Cathee Brady Catering — butler passed lite fare, beer and wine.
