The Artists of SAGE Upstate – Opening Reception, Saturday, June 25 from 4-6pm.

This exhibition features the work of aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) artists with pieces reflecting feelings about aging. The artists are participants in the Art of Aging, a program of SAGE Upstate, a non-profit serving aging LGBT people in Central New York. Participants in the program learned or honed skills in three creative arts: photography, creative writing, and pastels. Art of Aging was made possible by a grant from the Gifford Foundation.

(more…)

Join SAGE as we celebrate our members who participated in the writing group of our Art of Aging programming. Authors will read from their work and discuss their participation in this exciting arts programming sponsored by a grant from the Gifford Foundation.

Free to the Public.

Endearing and Enduring: Acclaim came in a flash for this LGBT documentary about Two Jewish Lesbian icons and the price they paid to be themselves. Directed by highly acclaimed filmmaker Deborah Dickson, a three-time Academy Award nominee, RUTHIE & CONNIE is a coming out story about love, friendship, passion, politics — and a cry for justice that resulted in a LGBT civil lawsuit for domestic partnership benefits. The film became an instant hit at its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival where it was met with a ten minute standing ovation. After the screening, the film and its stars were invited to over 150 festivals worldwide.

RUTHIE & CONNIE: EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE is a film about love, friendship, passion and politics — and the price two women paid to be themselves.

1959: A working-class Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn. Two young married women, both raising young children, meet and become friends; soon after, they become best of  friends.

1974: Ruthie and Connie fall madly, passionately in love, leave their husbands and children, and move in with each other.

1975: Ruthie becomes ill and realizes she can heal herself by coming out of the closet.

1988: She comes out in a very big way: she has been a teacher, administrator, and guidance counselor for several Brooklyn high schools. In conjunction with two other couples, Ruthie and Connie sue the New York City Board of Education for domestic partner benefits.

Today, Ruthie and Connie are still activists. Whether marching in the Gay Pride Parade or dancing on the Coney Island boardwalk, they are funny, passionate, angry – and always entertaining.

“RUTHIE & CONNIE: EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE is one of the most moving love stories ever told. Through the laughter and tears of their lives, we learn that the personal is indeed political. A MUST SEE for everyone, gay or straight, RUTHIE & CONNIE says it all.” — Robin Tyler, leading civil rights activist for LGBT rights since the 70′s. She is the force (with her partner) behind the suit against the State of California that challenged the Constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8.

“Inspirational? Yes! Courageous? Without a doubt! Romantic? Of course!’ Make no mistake; Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz are the real deal. For decades, these two feminist crusaders have been teaching the truth about relationships and coming out. RUTHIE & CONNIE: EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE has been embraced and shared by several generations of lesbians and their families as it will be embraced by generations to come.” — Patricia Ireland, Past President, NOW

“What’s more fun than a Royal Wedding?”

Join us for our 3rd Annual benefit celebration & extravaganza!

Music outside under a tent. Food, Drink and a Silent Auction inside the gallery.

Fun for All! It‛s better than ever!

(more…)