The rural landscape of Vermont is now adorned with vibrant displays of queerness and acceptance, captured through the lens of photographer Craig Harrison at St. Johnsbury’s Catamount Arts. The exhibition “I am___: Portraits Illuminating Identity” showcases a series of captivating portraits taken at drag events, offering a glimpse into a world of celebration and joy amidst challenging times for the LGBTQ+ community.
The brainchild behind these events and the exhibition is Molly Stone, the artistic director of Catamount Arts. Her vision to bring drag performances to the Northeast Kingdom stemmed from a desire to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, where Pride events were once rare occurrences. Collaborating with Galen Blodgett, known for his involvement in Rutland County Pride, Stone orchestrated the first drag event at the Fall in Love Ball in a repurposed Sears department store in St. Johnsbury.
What started as a simple request for lighting assistance from commercial photographer Craig Harrison quickly evolved into a transformative experience. As participants eagerly posed for portraits, Harrison found himself immersed in an eight-hour photography session, capturing the authentic essence of drag kings, queens, and attendees alike. The portraits exude a raw sense of celebration, each individual radiating a unique blend of confidence, acceptance, and freedom.
The exhibition pairs each portrait with pronouns and an identifier, offering a glimpse into the personal narratives of the subjects. From Jacob Boulet’s transformation into Alexis Tential Crisis to the poetic reflections of Toussaint St. Negritude, the stories shared underscore the significance of visibility and community in rural settings. Despite the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the Northeast Kingdom, these portraits serve as a beacon of resilience and solidarity.
In a parallel display at Catamount Arts, artist Meg Reinhold’s murals from Littleton, N.H., stand in stark contrast to the controversy surrounding public art in the neighboring town. Reinhold’s paintings, featuring serene landscapes and affirming messages, serve as a poignant reminder of the power of art in fostering inclusivity and understanding. The juxtaposition of these artworks with Harrison’s portraits provides a nuanced commentary on the complexities of acceptance and resistance in rural communities.
As the LGBTQ+ community navigates a tumultuous political climate, the voices of opposition grow louder, posing challenges to their sense of safety and belonging. Avi IC Ward, co-chair of the Northeast Kingdom Rainbow Coalition, echoes these concerns, highlighting the heightened anxieties faced by queer and trans individuals. Despite these obstacles, Molly Stone and Galen Blodgett remain committed to creating a welcoming and secure environment at the upcoming Fall in Love Ball, where participants can freely express their identities without fear of judgment.
As Craig Harrison prepares to capture the essence of the event through his lens once again, he emphasizes the inherent joy and authenticity of the participants. Beyond the politics and controversies, these portraits reflect a profound sense of self-expression and empowerment, encapsulating the essence of the LGBTQ+ community in the Northeast Kingdom. Through each click of the shutter, Harrison immortalizes moments of pure, unfiltered happiness and pride, embodying the spirit of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity.
The exhibition “I am___: Portraits Illuminating Identity” by Craig Harrison will be on display at Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury until March 30, with a special reception and artist remarks scheduled for Saturday, February 15. As the 2025 Fall in Love Ball approaches, the community eagerly anticipates another night of celebration, unity, and unapologetic self-expression.
