Artist Brent Pruitt's Blog

And the Mild-Tolerance Merit Badge Award Goes to…

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:00:00 GMT

Seems the Boy Scouts may earn their 'Mild-Tolerance' merit badge in the coming weeks, as they are hinting to allow openly gay troop members. This allowance will come with the caveat that the determination of said admittance of homosexuals will be left to the leaders at a local level.

This new directive allows the BSA to alleviate most of the bad press, and placate many mainstream activists and circumvent the issues of institutional discrimination by "passing the buck" to local troop officials.

NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, 1996: Photography Retrospective

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 16:00:00 GMT

I had the opportunity to attend the display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in 1996, which was to be the final time the quilt would be shown in its entirety at one location. It was an extraordinary time politically and personally, empowering and at times overwhelming. While I wanted to pull these images together in observance of World AIDS Day this year, these photos are relevant today or any day, and cannot be forgotten.

Congratulations to GLAAD

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to GLAAD for exceeding the Art Auction goal by $6,500! In November, I was invited to participate in the GLAAD Art Auction to help raise money for the organization. My limited edition print of Commie Pinko Fag: Свобода [Liberty] was chosen to be among the 100 unique pieces of art up for bid.

Gear Up, Queer Up for Commie Pinko Pride

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Coinciding with the anniversary of Stonewall, aka Christopher Street Liberation Day, I started Commie Pinko Fag with a purpose of documenting current and historical perceptions of queers — posting images, quotes and art. While there’s much to be proud of as we celebrate this anniversary of Stonewall, we still have much to fight for. The ridiculous litany of laws barring, criminalizing homosexuality is a Victorian-era concoction that continues to this day.

I Need Your Votes! for Artists Wanted Self 2012 Competition

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 02:00:00 GMT

I need your votes for the Artists Wanted: Self 2012 competition. ‘Collect Me’, leave a comment, & help spread the word. I vitally need your votes before June, 20th!

Visit my Artists Wanted: Self 2012 page and click the ‘Collect Me’ button at the top. Leave a comment there & help spread the word by sending the link to your friends and fellow art lovers.

I greatly appreciate your vote, & thanks a ton for your support!

That's So Gay: Reclamation, Not Admonishment and Abolition

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT

GLSEN continues to annoy the living fuck out of me. I appreciate the necessary task of training of educators and parents in dealing with homophobia, hate speech and bullying, as well as their efforts in creating alliances and crucial support networks for queer youth. I disagree with some of GLSEN’s more strident tactics.

With the ludicrous “Don’t Say ‘Gay’” bill advancing in Tennessee, I urge for the cessation of the National Day of Silence, and a repositioning of the Think Before You Speak campaign.

My Allergy Season Remedy — a Hazmat Suit and a Flamethrower

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:00:00 GMT

I tear up as I see the cherry trees in full pink and white blossom. Not out of any sentimentality, mind you. Allergy season arrives coating cars in yellow gunk, chasing thousands indoors and packing pharmacy isles with sufferers looking for the best and latest remedies.

Camouflage: A Flood of Emotions Art Series Revisited

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:00:00 GMT

I originally produced this series as felt assemblage, and recently recreated each piece as a digital illustration. I like both. The felt versions are by their nature of material more organic, with greater dimension, texture and rough lines.

Boy Scouts Public Relations Pledge Won't Rid Institutionalized Hatred

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Recently I came across an article on Accidental Bear, on the BSA endorsement of GLSEN’s ‘No Name-calling Week.’ The question was posed whether too much emphasis was being placed on an institution with a strong history of anti-gay stances; and why not just say fuck the boy scouts?

I would agree.

Sculpture Prototype for a New Art Series

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 20:00:00 GMT

While I've been busy with several web projects, I've also been prototyping several sculptural pieces, and taking some time to examine various methods to achieve my message. This first sculptural piece is an apple and snake — currently untitled.

And We're Back! brentpruitt.com Relaunches with New Features

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a newly updated site! I am very excited for this relaunch. I’ve added a great number of enhancements to the site, and plenty of new art. I’ve made the site much more flexible on the backend to handle future updates. So, the site will be easier for me to post updates, and keep in touch.

A Boy and His Shadow: Final Week: Don't miss it!

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 22:36:00 GMT

A Boy and his Shadow reaches its final week on display at Pivot. See A Boy and His Shadow before the end of the week!

Wellness Center Relaunch Party

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:00:00 GMT

To mark their fourth anniversary the Men’s Wellness Center relaunches as Pivot, a community space for men into men. Be sure to check out their great services and space.

Limited Edition Prints & Tshirts: Available at Opening Reception

Sun, 23 May 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Stop by the opening reception of A Boy and His Shadow for an exclusive offer. Limited edition prints and tshirts of Commie Pinko Fag will be available only at the opening reception.

Site Update: New Artwork Posted

Sun, 23 May 2010 20:00:00 GMT

I posted a few more art pieces on the site tonight. Several of the added pieces will be in the upcoming show, A Boy and His Shadow. However one addition that I am very happy about is Martha Stewart Ruins Everything.

A Boy and His Shadow: Opening Reception

Sat, 22 May 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Join me for the opening reception for A Boy and His Shadow, Thursday, June 3rd, 6pm – 9pm at the Men’s Wellness Center located at 209 SW 4th Avenue, in downtown Portland.

A Boy and His Shadow: Art Exhibition

Sat, 22 May 2010 20:00:00 GMT

In my second exhibition this year, I explore identity politics through message and metaphor. This show features two distinctly modern interpretations of Gainsborough’s classic Blue Boy, and a lesser-known work, Pink Boy. A Boy & His Shadow is comprised of 8 oil paintings and 9 felt assemblage pieces.

Thanks for a great turn out! Felt Up: Queer Erotic Tomfoolery

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:00:00 GMT

I just wanted to thank everyone that came out to see Felt Up: Queer Erotic Tomfoolery. The exhibition was a great success and a lot of fun! I loved to hear the great feedback and especially the laughter induced by the art. Thanks!

Final weekend for Felt Up!: Go see it!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Be sure to stop by Felt Up: Queer Erotic Tomfoolery if you haven’t, and tell your friends! This is the final weekend of Felt Up at Studio 2507! Stop by Friday, 6pm to 9pm, or Saturday, 12pm to 3pm. Studio 2507 is located at 2507 SE Clinton Street in Portland Oregon.

Rising to the Occasion: Felt Up Opening Reception

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:00:00 GMT

I’d like to thank all those who stopped by opening night. It was great to hear the reactions to the art, especially the laughter. I really meant to practice more of my punnage for this show. Nonetheless, the opening was a success and a lot of fun! Photos of the opening to come!

Felt Up Write Up: on QPDX.com

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Awesome write up on QPDX.com. Check em out… Thanks to the folk at QPDX!

Felt Up: The exhibition is well hung...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:00:00 GMT

I finished set up of the show yesterday with help from Carrie. I am excited and look forward to seeing everyone there!

Happy Birthday to me! Opening Reception Reminder

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Yes, today is my birthday! For my present, I’d like you to join me for the opening of Felt Up during the First Friday Art Walk in February at Studio 2507. The opening reception is 6pm to 9pm Friday, February 5th, 2010.

Felt Up: First Friday Art Walk & Opening Reception

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Join me for the opening of Felt Up during the First Friday in February at Studio 2507. The opening reception is 6pm to 9pm Friday, February 5th, 2010.

Felt Up: Queer Erotic Tomfoolery: Art Show on Display in February

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 21:00:00 GMT

I’m proud to announce a new solo exhibition, Felt Up: Queer Erotic Tomfoolery. This show explores socially-constructed perceptions of gender inequity by touching on historical and cultural differences within language and characterization of the sexes.