Grin and Bear It in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery

Body Works - A Solo Exhibition by Keith David Trievel in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium

September 14 - October 7, 2024

On display in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery beginning September 14 is Grin and Bear It, a vibrant showcase celebrating the Bear community within LGBTQ+ culture. The exhibition, which opens in conjunction with the Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend, draws art enthusiasts, LGBTQ+ supporters, and the curious alike, all coming together to celebrate art, community, and inclusivity.

This dynamic exhibit highlights the diversity and creativity of an often-underrepresented segment of the LGBTQ+ world. Grin and Bear It features a wide array of artistic expressions across various mediums, including collage, photography, acrylic and oil paintings, digital graphics, mixed media, textiles, ceramics, graphite, and video. The exhibition was juried by a team of community members who carefully selected works from a diverse group of local and regional artists, showcasing the richness of Bear culture.

Featured artists include JS Adams, Scott G. Brooks, David Camorali, Damien Cheeks, Brad Cox, Rick Dove, George Farrah, Max Fleishman, Robert Fleming, Ernest Hollowak, Jeffrey Kibler, Jon McDonough, Michael Migliori, Rich Morel, Barry Moshinski, Guillermo Silveira, Sabina Troncone, Don Twine, and Joe Vescio.

Each artist brings a unique perspective:

Scott G. Brooks, a figurative artist and illustrator from Baltimore, Maryland, presents Tattoo Bear, a piece that contrasts with his larger and more complex works. "This painting conveys a sense of simplicity and serenity," says Brooks, who often features close friends in his art.

Barry Moshinski, a recent retiree who began painting just a few years ago, shares, "I love using color. When I heard about this Bear-themed exhibit, I wanted to create something positive, so I imagined a bright, happy bear enjoying a cosmopolitan."

Don Twine rediscovered his passion for art during the pandemic. "Exploring the male form within Bear culture helped me reconnect with my artistic identity," he explains. His painting Suspenders Bear celebrates the unique appeal of the men in the Bear community.

Joe Vescio, with a background in environmental studies and ecology, has returned to painting landscapes in his retirement. "My work incorporates my love of the natural environment," he notes, adding a unique ecological perspective to the exhibition.

Concurrent with Grin and Bear It, CAMP Rehoboth proudly presents Body Works, a solo exhibition by Keith David Trievel in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. Trievel's mixed media works combine acrylic paint on recycled canvas, bonded tissue paper, and ink drawing, resulting in a fresco-like or Venetian plaster effect. "Life is a journey from darkness into light," Trievel reflects. "With each lesson learned and each connection formed, a little more light is shed—revealing more of our true self." His art captures this journey of personal growth and transformation in a powerful and visually striking way.

Trievel's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions across the country and is part of both private and corporate collections. His recent appearance in Juturna Male Art Magazine (Issue 21) in Berlin, Germany, highlights his growing international recognition.

Both exhibitions will be on view at the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.