Threads of Pride: Project Overview

Threads of Pride is a community-driven visual art initiative created to uplift and showcase the voices of LGBTQIA+ individuals across Wichita and surrounding areas. The project was made possible through a $25,000 Arts Thrive Grant awarded by the City of Wichita’s Division of Arts and Cultural Services, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Curated by Michael K. Davenport, Threads of Pride featured a juried exhibition of works by local LGBTQIA+ artists at Harvester Arts. The show explored themes of identity, resilience, and belonging, inviting artists to reflect on the past, present, and future of queer experiences in our region. Artists contributed in a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance, and video art.

A central component of the project was a multi-day community art-making initiative inspired by the legacy of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Participants of all ages and backgrounds—especially LGBTQIA+ youth—gathered to create large-scale canvas panels that told stories of pride, struggle, and solidarity. These panels were designed as contemporary reflections of our community’s collective voice and were later displayed as a central feature of the project’s culminating celebration.

The Threads of Pride celebration event brought the entire community together to honor the artists, youth, and participants who made the project possible. Held during Pride Month, the evening featured performances by local drag artists, musicians, and dancers, as well as a live DJ and catering from LGBTQIA+ owned businesses. The event served as a joyful and affirming space to share art, celebrate identity, and build connections.

Sincere thanks go out to all the artists, youth organizations, performers, volunteers, partners, and community members who contributed their time, creativity, and energy to make Threads of Pride a success. Any remaining supplies from the project, along with donations or profits from the sale of community-created art panels, have been or will be donated to local organizations that support LGBTQIA+ youth. This project stands as a testament to the power of queer storytelling and the strength of our local LGBTQIA+ community.

Greetings!

I’m Michael K Davenport, a seasoned artist and graphic designer, proudly holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from Wichita State University. With over a decade of professional experience in graphic design, I bring a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise to every project. In a world saturated with imagery, standing out requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and a touch of the extraordinary. That’s where I come in.

Services Crafted with Precision:

Specializing in a wide array of artistic expressions, my services encompass everything from crafting bespoke logos and comprehensive branding packages to delivering captivating illustrations for both print and digital mediums. Whether you’re in need of striking print materials, engaging digital designs, or thoughtful artistic direction, I am here to transform your vision into a visual masterpiece.

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