Friday, June 27, 2014

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN - Photographs by Kelly Fitzgerald


"All Hail the Queen"
Exhibit Postcard
©2014 Kelly Fitzgerald.


ALL HAIL THE QUEEN

Photographs by Kelly Fitzgerald




The year was 1996, Bill Clinton was in office and the hit song, Macarena by Los del Rio was dominating the airwaves.  Photographer Kelly Fitzgerald was first introduced to drag queens while working as a part-time bartender at a local gay nightclub in San Diego.  He was captivated by their larger-than-life personalities. Every Friday night they would perform as Cher, Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner and other legendary female vocalists. The 1990’s was an experimental time and drag queens were far from commonplace. Self-expression, performing and entertaining were all means of self-exploration as well as mediums to make cultural statements.

Within a three month time period, Kelly photographed drag queens in San Diego and traveled to San Francisco to photograph Wigstock, an annual outdoor drag festival that traditionally acted as an unofficial end to summer for the gay community.  The iconic and groundbreaking photographs Kelly captured show the essence of his subjects; creative, larger than life individuals who were not afraid to show their feminine sides and flamboyant spirit. These queens were pioneers in their own right, trail blazers at a time when their style and fashion wasn’t fully accepted or understood.

Fitzgerald is an adventurer and fine art photographer who has spent years traveling the world with little more than a backpack and camera gear. He is a landscape specialist who has been interpreting culture and the environment for over 30 years.  He uses tools such as manual film cameras, black-and-white film and the traditional darkroom to create his silver gelatin fiber base prints.

His photographs have been in numerous exhibits throughout the United States and Europe.  Fitzgerald's work has also won several awards including The Golden Light Award and the IPA Lucie Award.  He was honored at The Hubbard Museum in Association with The Smithsonian Institution in 2003, and was the first photographer to receive the Gene Harrison Memorial Award in November of 2003. His work can be found in many corporate and private collections across the United States. Kelly is based out of California and Hawaii and travels several months each year to pursue his art.







The exhibit will be on view from July 12, 2014 – September 9, 2014.

An open reception will be held on Saturday, July 12th (6-9 pm) and August 9th (6-9 pm) in conjunction with Ray at Night,
San Diego’s monthly art event.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

"ALL HAIL THE QUEEN" PROMOTIONAL POSTER


The promotional posters for the "All Hail the Queen" exhibit have been printed and they look great!  They will be displayed throughout San Diego. Hope to see you at the show. Cheers!



Monday, June 23, 2014

SPONSOR: URBAN MO'S BAR & GRILL


And finally, I would like to give a big shout out to Urban MO's Bar & Grill and MO's Universe and thank them for their generous donation and support for the upcoming photography exhibit "All Hail the Queen" coming this July 12th at Ray Street Custom Framing & Art Gallery.

Please be sure to visit Urban MO's Bar & Grill next time you are in San Diego. MO's is more than a bar, more than a restaurant, and more than San Diego's number one GLBT hot spot, they are part of what makes Hillcrest, Hillcrest.



Sunday, June 22, 2014

SPONSOR: BAJA BETTY'S


I would like to give a big shout out to Baja Betty's and thank them for their generous donation and support for the upcoming photography exhibit "All Hail the Queen" coming this July 12th at Ray Street Custom Framing & Art Gallery.

Please be sure to visit Baja Betty's next time you are in San Diego. Baja Betty's is home to the most fabulous margarita north of the border. Serving colorful people colorful drinks and a hearty plate of Mexi-fresh cuisine, they showcase over 100 tequilas on their shelves, ensuring there's always something new to tickle your tongue. 




Saturday, June 21, 2014

SPONSOR: GOSSIP GRILL


I would like to give a big shout out to Gossip Grill and thank them for their generous donation and support for the upcoming photography exhibit "All Hail the Queen" coming this July 12th at Ray Street Custom Framing & Art Gallery.

If you are ever in the San Diego area, please be sure to visit Gossip Grill. Since conception in 2009, Gossip Grill has turned into a favorite local hangout. The restaurant/bar is decked out with feminine inspired, post-Dada art and serves up modern American Comfort Food that will send your taste buds dancing.




Thursday, June 19, 2014

SPONSOR: HILLCREST BREWING COMPANY


I would like to give a big shout out to Hillcrest Brewing Company and thank them for their generous donation and support for the upcoming photography exhibit "All Hail the Queen" coming this July 12th at Ray Street Custom Framing & Art Gallery.

If you are ever in the San Diego area, please be sure to stop by Hillcrest Brewing Company. They are the World’s First “Out and Proud LGBT Brewery"  and are located next door to the iconic Hillcrest Pride Flag. HBC features handcrafted beer and stone fired pizzas with bottles, growlers & kegs to-go.



Saturday, June 7, 2014

SPONSOR: BELL ROCK GROWERS


I want to give a big thank you to Bell Rock Growers! Bell Rock Growers is now a sponsor of the upcoming photography exhibit "All Hail the Queen" coming this July & August at Ray Street Custom Framing & Art Gallery.

They are an established pet treat company committed to providing the tastiest, purest and most nutritious treats for pets and the people who love them.

Please be sure to check out their website to view all of the wonderful products they offer. My sister’s cat goes crazy over the Semi-Most Deep Sea Tuna Cat Treats.