Lesbians in the Visual Arts
Happy (L.A.) Hyder is founder and executive director of Lesbians in the Visual Arts (LVA). She is a fine artist in color photography, assemblage and installation, as well as a performance artist. Describing her own art, Hyder says, "I photograph the ordinary as the extraordinary, using my camera the way a painter would use her brush, using the negative as my canvas. After twenty years photographing in black and white, I began working in color. Bringing the elements of my black and white photographs into the process, I remain concerned with shape, shadow and texture."
Known for her leadership and encouragement of artists, Hyder was awarded Bay Area Career Women's Lesbians of Achievement, Vision & Action award in 1996. In 2000, LVA was recognized by Equal Rights Advocates at an annual event honoring women in the arts. Hyder states, "We work all-volunteer, producing exhibitions of high quality, intriguing artwork. We host panels discussing lesbian art, artists and collecting in a contemporary context. We believe there is need and room for the vision of lesbians in the art world."
Currently LVA is conducting a redesign of their Web site. The goal is to create the best available resource for those interested in lesbian participation in all aspects of the visual arts. Community involvement and vision have directed LVA since its inception and its arts and supporting members encompass our diverse community. As our community advances the queer movement, Hyder believes it is more important than ever to have a visible lesbian presence, made even stronger by lesbian imagery.
More information on upcoming events or exhibitions, including "Hot Pink" from June through August in San Francisco, can be obtained online at lesbianarts.org. Hyder's work can be viewed on the Internet at womensart.com.
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