San Diego LGBT Pride welcomes local artists to take part in its popular Art of Pride exhibition, held annually at the two-day Pride festival in Balboa Park. The space serves as a showcase for the works of local artists in various mediums, such as painting, sculpture and jewelry.

This year's expanded exhibition and juried show will feature two covered wings of display areas, plus additional room for festivalgoers to relax and socialize. The show is being organized by local artists John Keasler, Jennifer Phelps and Sarah Sota, in conjunction with San Diego LGBT Pride.

Covered spaces are $60 for shared displays and $120 for solo displays. Submissions for the juried portion of the show are free and will be Accepted electronically at jcksd@sbcglobal.net.

"By waiving the fee for the juried show and offering cash prizes, we hope to encourage more experimental and beginning artists," said Ron deHarte, executive director for San Diego Pride.

Participating artists may also enter their works in the "Too Hot To Hang" display section within the festival's Leather Realm Gallery. This year's festival will be held July 21 and 22 at Marston Point in Balboa Park. A preview of the show is scheduled a few weeks prior to the Pride festival at the newly opened Ricardo Vela Gallery at 2923 Upas Street in North Park.

For more information, contact Art of Pride Coordinator John Keasler at the e-mail address above or call (619) 491-0779. Detailed information about this summer's Pride celebration can be found on the web site: www.SanDiegoPride.org.

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