Each of the participating artists rose to the challenge and produced truly amazing and unique work. All of the coasters were then sent to TransCultural Exchange, divided into 100 different groups, each containing 100 coasters, one from each artist. A full set was then sent back  to each artist in their respective cities for exhibition.

The world wide opening of the exhibit was the 9th of March with the main exhibition taking place at the Fuller Art Museum in Boston. On this same day other exhibitions of the coaster project opened in China, Russia, Canada, Finland and Salt Lake City. The local reception was very well attended, light in attitude, fun and informative. The work ranges from original photographs to poetry, original acrylic paintings to drawings, tire rubber to tortillas and mixed media. The images portray a wide range of topics and interests from comedy to religion, social issues to beauty. With 100 different pieces from around the world there really was lot to look at in close detail as the exhibit was viewed.

In completing the final phase of The Coaster Project locally the coasters have been taken to Red Rock Brewing Company for final use and distribution. They are beautiful, diverse and amusing. If you collect coasters, or are just interested in art as everyday object, or everyday object as art, you may want to stop by before they are all gone. As the project comes to full completion in Boston one complete set will be donated to the Fuller Art Museum Permanent Collection. 

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Salt Lake City, located at 361 North 300 West, has become a prominent venue in our city for many diverse groups, meetings, plays, a delightful coffee shop, and even an exhibition space. The Volunteer Staff of the Center includes an Art Committee co-chaired by Chad Keller and Shawn Dallas Stradley.

Gallery co-chair Chad Keller takes a break during the recent Coaster exhibit

As part of the continuing development of the educational and community involvement aspects of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, the organization presents exhibits that relate thematically to lectures, film series, or other educational programs. The Center is also pleased to offer this exhibition space to local artists who wish to exhibit their work.
In addition, The Center's Art Committee curates special exhibits by single artists, collaborative efforts or shows on specific themes or ideas. Quite often there is a call for entries to the art community as a whole for artwork for these exhibitions.

The following is a schedule of the upcoming exhibitions which have a call for entries. If you would like to submit work for a specific exhibit or have your work reviewed for a solo exhibition please stop by The Center on Wednesdays from 4-5 PM, or call 539.8800 ext.17, to arrange a meeting.

SHOAH: Remembering the Holocaust and Breaking the Bands of Oppression. April 8-25. Call for entries open to all artists.

Permanent Ink: The Art of Tattoo. April 27-May 13. Call for entries open to all artists.

The Pride Art Show. June 1-June 21. Call for entries open to all Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgendered artists.

Body Image. July 21-August 8. Call for entries open to all artists.

Buff and Bronze. September 1-September 21. Call for entries open to all artists.

We look forward to working with many of the wonderful and talented artists from our city and state and hope that this will be a creative resource that benefits our community.

The public is always welcome to view exhibitions at The Gallery during the open hours of the community center. We will also begin participating in Gallery Stroll with open hours the third Friday of every month from 6-9 PM.