Arts & Entertainment
Galleries: The art of the matter
D.C. galleries — and one in New York — have bounty of queer and D.C.-themed shows planned

‘The Helpful Angels,’ a work by late gay artist Alfonso Ossorio on display now at the Phillips Collection. (Image courtesy Phillips)
The Phillips Collection (1600 21st St., N.W.) exhibits “Angels, Demons and Savages,” a showcase of work by Jackson Pollock, Jean Dubuffet and the openly gay Alfonso Ossorio. In their time, Ossorio was friends with both Pollock and Dubuffet, and the showcase, featuring 55 pieces by the three men, connects the three artists in a celebration of key postwar art. The exhibit is already open and runs through March 12. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for members and children. For more information, visit phillipscollection.org.
Yes, it’s in the Big Apple, but worth checking out if you’re up that way — the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art (26 Wooster St., New York) presents two simultaneous exhibitions showcasing queer history.
“Rare & Raw” combines illustrations, photographs, video and more exploring themes of queer history. The exhibit pairs works of older artists and younger counterparts to highlight how different generations address the same issues.
“Making History, Making Art: the Work of Jonathan Ned Katz” explores the artistic career of a late-emerging artist, renowned historian of queer history Jonathan Ned Katz. The exhibit shows shifting political landscapes transformed how sexual difference is represented. Both exhibits are currently running through March 31. Admission is free. For more information, visit leslielohman.org.
Hemphill’s Carroll Square Gallery (975 F Street) is featuring “Currents,” an exhibit showcasing four emerging talents in the Mid-Atlantic region. One artist in the group, openly gay Mexican-American René Treviño, attempts to retell history from an underrepresented perspective. His work challenges social norms and explores his need to find his place in the world. The exhibit runs until April 25. Admission is free.
For more information, visit hemphillfinearts.com
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) has two exhibitions running through the month of March.
“Icons” by Steve Alderton features paintings influenced by the styles of Byzantine icons. He focuses on seemingly insignificant traits, such as an eye’s focus or the slight hint of a smile, to subtly hint at a subject’s complex persona.
“It’s Greek to Me” is a modern reinterpretation of Greek mythology. Narcissus, clad only in white briefs, ogles his reflection in a chrome toaster in his kitchen. Europa is a cowgirl at a rodeo. Prometheus sports a farmer tan. The artist, Timothy Johnson, will complete the collection with one final piece he will paint in person on Saturdays and Sundays throughout March.
For more information on these exhibits, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Corcoran Gallery of Art (500 17th St., N.W.) is featuring several exhibitions over the next few months.
On display until April 21 is “Shooting Stars: Publicity Stills from Early Hollywood and Portraits by Andy Warhol.” It features promotional photos of early Hollywood stars, such as Rudolph Valentino and Mary Pickford, alongside Warhol’s photos of figures such as Sen. Ted Kennedy and his Factory “superstars,” like Jackie Curtis.
“Pump Me Up: D.C. Subculture of the 1980s” explores the D.C. underground of the ‘80s, focusing on graffiti, go-go music and the punk and hardcore scenes. Some items showcased include day-glo concert posters, stage clothes, newspaper clippings, video loops, and more. The exhibition runs through April 7.
“How Is the World? Recent Acquisitions of Contemporary Photography” brings together work by several photographers, each with wide-ranging issues of the world addressed in their art. It runs from March 9-May 26.
“David Levinthal: War Games” features photographs of staged tableaux depicting war using toys. Some scenes depicted include images of the American Indian Wars, World War II, and contemporary wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The exhibition runs from May 11-Sept 1.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for children 12 and younger. For more information on these exhibitions, visit corcoran.org.
Zenith Gallery is celebrating its 35th year with several exhibits.
“Is that President Obama at the Washington D.C. Economic Partnership?” is an inauguration art show ending Monday (act fast!). The exhibit features local artists celebrating the uniqueness of Washington, including iconic symbols and architecture of the city. It is held at 1495 S St., N.W.
“The Best of All Worlds … Traditional and Modern Art” showcases paintings and sculptures that embrace the beauty of the D.C. region with depictions of natural and man-made creations. The exhibit is being held at 1111 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. until April 27.
“Trees-The World’s Greatest Cooperators” highlights the crucial relationship between humans and trees. The pieces celebrate one of the most enduring resources on earth and respect the majesty of trees around the world and in D.C., including the Cherry Blossoms. The exhibit runs from March 17-June 1 at 1429 Iris St., N.W.
For more information, visit zenithgallery.com.
Studio Gallery (2108 R St., N.W.) presents two exhibits: a solo show with Angelika Wamsler’s “soulprint” and a duo show with “Hanna’s Table” by Chris Chernow and “Found Art” by Amy B. Davis. Both exhibitions run until March 23.
For more information, visit studiogallerydc.com.
Photos
Center for Black Equity honors leaders, activists at BE. Gala
Miyake-Mugler, Oakes co-host annual awards ceremony
The Center for Black Equity held its annual BE. Gala at Conrad Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Lolita Leopard Miyake-Mugler and Anthony Oakes co-hosted the awards ceremony.
Honorees included journalist and producer Justin Stewart; nonprofit leader Nikki Alexander; HIV advocate Marlene McNeese; the nonprofit organization FreeLux Project; actress Monroe Alise; public health advocate Tori Cooper; Manassas Park Vice Mayor Darryl G. Moore; Rev. Dr. Carmarion D. Anderson; Bishop Steven Sawyer; government relations professional Courtney Snowden; Senior Deputy Director of HAHSTA at D.C. Health, Clover Barnes; and Texas state Rep. Venton C. Jones.
The event was sponsored by Gilead.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)






























Books
In ‘The Lost Brontë,’ a complicated lie can lead to danger
New book features sweetly romantic girl-meets-girl twist
‘The Lost Brontë’
By Catherine Friend
c.2026, Bywater Books
$22.95/335 pages
Mom always said to tell the truth.
One lie leads to another and another and you have to remember them all until pretty soon, you’re caught. Fibs are hard, mistruths are messy, even little white social lies can destroy trust. Worst of all, as in the new novel, “The Lost Brontë” by Catherine Friend, a complicated lie can lead to danger.

Though Lilianne Loxley was very young when she lost her parents, she understood that her uncle didn’t really want her. As time passed, though, Lily made herself useful to Uncle, writing and signing letters for him and she became a good companion, helping him with his collection of Brontë memorabilia. Uncle was a keen enthusiast.
She had no idea that his obsession was out of control and he was deeply in arrears. The day Lily learned of his debt was the day she learned that he’d agreed to send her to his debtor’s home to work off the money owed.
It was so sudden. One minute, Lily was at Loxley House, happy and loved by Uncle’s staff … and five hours later, she was at Crag Thorn Manor, home of Lord Bexton, who informed her that she’d be working on his ledgers – work that seemed routine, but Lily tackled it.
Uncle always did say she was headstrong.
But would headstrong be enough to survive, when she was restricted from most of the Manor, when she was forced to dine with Brexton and his slimy friend, or – the worst! – when Brexton told Lily that her next task was to forge a letter from Emily Brontë? And then an entire manuscript?
Lily struggled to do what was right. She had to get Uncle out of debt but this last order horrified her. Did she dare refuse Brexton’s orders and commit a crime? It was unthinkable!
The only brightness in the whole situation was Wren, the ladies’ maid assigned to Lily’s room. Wren was adorable with freckles and the sweetest smile. But with everything else happening at Crag Thorn Manner, could Lily act upon her feelings?
This time of year, you may come to crave dark, spooky stories, and “The Last Brontë” fits those needs perfectly with its Gothic deliciousness. Think: Daphne du Maurier-type, stormy-night squirms with a dangerously chaste, sweetly romantic girl-meets-girl twist for fun.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve read a Gothic novel, you’re in for a nice reminder of why you love them here. You can almost tick off the must-haves: a novel like this is nothing without a foreboding stone manor with damp walls; stone steps to a dank basement; a mysterious portrait; and a nearby bog, and author Catherine Friend gives readers every one of them. You’d be disappointed if there was no ghost, wouldn’t you? Ha. You can practically feel the cold blow through the attic, right? Yeah, it’s that kind of book.
If you’re a fan of the Brontës, you’ll like this novel. If you love Gothic mysteries or Victorian romances, ditto. “The Lost Brontë” is good, no lie.
The Blade may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via this post.
Out & About
CAMP Rehoboth Block Party returns Oct. 18
Expect performances, vendors and more at annual celebration
CAMP Rehoboth will host its annual Block Party celebration on Sunday, Oct.18 at 11 a.m. on the second block of Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
CAMP Rehoboth invites all community members to join in the festivities and to expect magnificent performances and dozens of vendors, including artists, craftspeople, non-profits, businesses, and more.
The event started in 2015 in celebration of CAMP Rehoboth’s 25th anniversary. This year, attendees can expect to shop sea glass art, pottery, jewelry, Pride merch, body care, clothing, and learn more about local non-profit causes and businesses.
Attendance is free. For more details, visit CAMP Rehoboth’s website.
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