Persad Center Announces Renown Artists’ Support for "2022 Art for Change Event”

Funds Raised Will Support Mental Health Services for Pittsburgh's LGBTQ+ Community

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Persad Center is hosting “2022 Art for Change Event” on Friday, September 9 at Stage AE on the North Shore. The event, Persad’s 35^th Annual, is one of the region's most significant art auctions. Proceeds support Persad Center's mission of providing mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Persad is pleased to announce that Bob Sendall is the Chair of the event and Steve Mendelson will be one of its featured gallerists. Both Bob and Steve are long-term supporters of Persad and have been involved with this event since it first debuted in 1987. Other featured gallerists include Judy Barie, Madeline Gent, Darrell Kinsel, and Rachel Rearick.

Persad has also received commitments of artwork from the Herb Ritts Foundation, NY fashion and celebrity photographer, Mike Ruiz, Anita Henley Carrington, Clint Fisher, and Chris Lopez. The event is continuing to accept artwork submissions from the local art community until August 15. For information about submitting artwork or purchasing tickets, visit www.persadartforchange.com.

Art for Change 2022 is presented by UPMC with support from PA Health & Wellness, PNC, Nemacolin, Key Bank, CrawfordEllenbogen, and First Commonwealth Bank.

About Persad Center

Founded in 1972, Persad Center is the 2^nd oldest LGBTQ+ mental health agency in the U.S. The agency works to improve the lives and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS through counseling, psychiatry, groups, Teletherapy and social support for the youth and senior population in Western Pennsylvania. Despite considerable gains for LGBTQ+ people, community members still experience stigma, shame, trauma, and associated impacts. Ensuring that specialized services are available to meet the unique situations our community members face is vital for providing transformative services.