Photo Gallery: CHROMA First Friday Pride Month Queer Art Showcase

On June 6, in the heart of Sante Fe’s Art Distritct, La Fleur Arts Productions and community partners such as OFM, Skylight, Connect for Health Colorado, and Identity Hormones hosted CHROMA. This event featured a variety of work from over 30 local queer artists and businesses, live music, full bar, and a whole lot of community.

This event was not just to showcase the incredible queer businesses; it doubled as a fundraiser benefitting Colorado Health Network (CHN) Colorado’s oldest and largest HIV support organization.

Christopher La Fleur of La Fleur Arts Productions shared in an informational post: “For 42 years, CHN has provided wraparound services including free HIV/STI testing and prevention services, substance abuse and behavioral health counseling, housing subsidies, linkage to care, free statewide community food banks, harm reduction programs, weekly groups for seniors living with HIV, and so much more. The crucial work CHN does in the community is so, so important. Last year alone, CHN provided more than 54,000 meals to their clients. Their overdose reversal programs saved more than 950 lives across our state.

“Most urgent is the fact that this organization, and organizations like it nationwide, are under attack from our very own government. Targeted funding cuts and the elimination of programs long provided by previous administrations are being eliminated weekly. Community support of organizations like CHN has NEVER been more important. Thousands of people across Colorado are depending on these life-saving interventions and I am so proud to support this cause.”

The event quickly picked up after an afternoon stormed rolled through to cool the air. There was a steady stream of visitors through the door that came in to support, purchase art, donate, sip on a beverage, and even shake out a dance move or two. In addition to each table offering options to scan a QR code to donate, Skylight donated $1 of every beverage sale to the Colorado Health Network.

The success of the event proves how important it us for us to create opportunities for our community to show up, and in return, showing up for our community in any way that we can.

And knowing that any way that we do show up always makes a difference.

Photos by Becky Duffyhill. Check out more of her work here! Follow her on Instagram @beckyduffyhill.creative.