SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June 2, 2026 — Youth in Arts, a leader in accessible arts education for youth throughout Marin County, today announced the return of the Here and Queer: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Spotlight Show, an annual exhibition celebrating queer identity and creative expression. The show will be on view at the YIA Gallery in the Downtown San Rafael Arts District from June 5 to July 3, 2026, with a public opening reception on Friday, June 5 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 

Now in its 3rd year, the Here and Queer showcase features artwork and creative writing by young, queer artists throughout Marin County. Each piece offers a unique glimpse into the lived experiences and identities of students in the local queer community, providing a platform for young artists to share their voices and celebrate queer identity through creative expression. 

“The Here and Queer show is one of the most meaningful exhibitions we host each year,” said Roberta Catalinotto, Executive Director of Youth in Arts. “Art has always been a vehicle for truth, and these young LGBTQIA+ artists are using it to say: we are here, we matter, and our stories deserve to be seen. We are proud to give them this stage and invite everyone in our community to come experience their work.”

Members of the media are invited to attend the opening reception and are welcome to schedule interviews with participating artists. To arrange interviews or for additional information, please contact Angelean Johnson at (415) 457-4878 ext 110 or angelean@youthinarts.org. 

The YIA Gallery is located at 917 C Street, San Rafael, CA 94901. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the public.

About Youth in Arts 

Youth in Arts is a San Rafael, Calif.-based nonprofit that has championed arts education in the North San Francisco Bay Area since 1970. Through programs including Artists in Schools, Arts Unite Us, `Til Dawn a cappella, and the Intensive Arts Mentorship program, the organization brings professional teaching artists into classrooms, supports educators in integrating the arts into their practice, and provides youth of all abilities and backgrounds with opportunities to develop and share their creative voices. Youth in Arts serves more than 4,000 students in person annually. Youth in Arts builds visual and performing arts skills through innovative, in-depth programs that foster confidence, compassion, and resilience in students of all abilities. Youth in Arts is the only consistent provider of arts programming for special education students in Marin County and maintains a gallery in downtown San Rafael’s Cultural Arts District dedicated to celebrating youth artists. For more information, visit youthinarts.org.

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Media Contact:
Angelean Johnson
Communications & Development Manager, Youth in Arts
415-457-4878
angelean@youthinarts.org