Pride and Joy is a group show emphasizing how art, community and connection create shared joy. On the walls to launch Pride Month and closing on Juneteenth, the exhibition highlights how coming together through art and creativity, particularly in times of adversity, can create joy.
Featuring work by queer and black artists, including Ricardo Osmondo Francis, Kris Gillespie, Mike Heter, and Robert O’connor.
The show also features the display of a number of hand-made rainbow flags by Gilbert Baker, the designer and creator of the original pride flag, on loan to AH Arts from local residents Brian Samuelson and Joe Dorsey.
Pride & Joy
May 14, 2026 — Jun 20, 2026
Top piece: Devon Acrylic and mixed media collage on canvas 12” sq. Lower piece: Tariq (2025) Acrylic and mixed media collage on canvas 12” sq.
Center piece: La Estrella / When You Wish Upon a Star Acrylic and mixed media on canvas 24” x 30” Additional pieces by Kris Gillespie
Left to right in order of appearance: "LA The Original / Defenders of Truth / Epiphany and Reason", "Island of Saint Martin / Call and Response", "Aphrodite, The Muses, and The Ancestors / Cusp of Magic", "A + Money + Hero", "As Above So Below", "Trio / in Orange / He Who Stands in Truth"
People viewing the Pride & Joy Exhibition at Atlantic Highlands Arts Council
Pictured top: "Madu Regard" Acrylic and mixed media collage on canvas 12” sq. Pictured below: "Amir" Acrylic and mixed media collage on canvas 9” x 12”
Left to right in order of appearance: "LA The Original / Defenders of Truth / Epiphany and Reason", "Island of Saint Martin / Call and Response", "Aphrodite, The Muses, and The Ancestors / Cusp of Magic", "A + Money + Hero", "As Above So Below", "Trio / in Orange / He Who Stands in Truth", "The Unusual Prince/Once Upon a Dream", "Daughters of the Revolution"
APANAMAE PRODUCTIONS Founder Ricardo Osmondo Francis chatting with exhibition visitors at the opening of "Pride and Joy"
"LA The Original / Defenders of Truth / Epiphany and Reason" Acrylic and mixed media collage on canvas 24” sq.
La Estrella / When You Wish Upon a Star Acrylic and mixed media on canvas 24” x 30”
Daughters of the Revolution Acrylic and mixed media collage on canvas 64” x 52”