ROGERS PARK — A new inclusivity-themed art show kicks off with a launch party Wednesday at R Public House, with proceeds from the $5-per-person entry fee going to the Chicago chapter of Planned Parenthood.
Renee Labrana, owner of the neighborhood pub at 1508 W. Jarvis Ave., said the "Love Trumps Hate" show will run for four weeks and consists of multiple types of media that speak to the spirit of diversity, love and unity the neighborhood stands for — including photography, poetry, paintings, satire, video, and a song written and performed by school children in the area.
Labrana said the idea came to her after the November election, which left herself and many of her friends and customers "distraught."
"We were hugging each other on the streets, in the coffee shop and in my restaurant as people shed tears for what was coming in the future," Labrana said. "I was nervous because so many people were angry and we didn't want to create a hateful display but something that came from love, inclusion and diversity of the neighborhood."
After getting the first submission, a woman wearing a burka and holding a rainbow flag at last year's Pride Parade, her fears were eased, she said.
She said she chose Planned Parenthood to donate the evening's proceeds to in light of some politicians recently calling for an end of federal funding to the health organization, which provides services like screenings for cancer, cholesterol, diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as physical exams and flu shots to men and women.
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